For the most part, Celtic’s 2-1 win over Lazio was a triumph for the Hoops. Neil Lennon’s side showed plenty of fight and spirit to recover from going a goal down to achieve a memorable victory.
However, one blip on the night was a potential injury suffered by Hatem Abd Elhamed. The £1.6 million signing from Hapoel Be’er Sheva looked to be struggling before he was eventually replaced in the second-half.
Interestingly, at one stage it looked like Moritz Bauer was going to replace Elhamed. However, Neil Lennon changed his mind, put on Nir Bitton and moved to three at the back.
A possible doubt for upcoming fixture
It remains to be seen if Elhamed will be fit for Sunday’s trip to Aberdeen, but you have to imagine that he must be a doubt for the game.
However, the good news for Celtic is that they have not one, but two ready-made replacements for the right-back should he miss the game.
The aforementioned Moritz Bauer could well be a candidate to start. He was given the nod to start over Elhamed in two of Celtic’s last three league games.
There is also Jeremie Frimpong that could be considered. The Hoops starlet was ineligible to play against Lazio. However, his recent performance against Ross County could mean that he features in Neil Lennon’s plans.
Could manager again change formation?
Of course, there is also the possibility that after the successful positional change against Lazio that Celtic once more play three at the back against Aberdeen.
That would most likely mean that Nir Bitton would get the nod from Neil Lennon to start the game. That perhaps seems unlikely though, and the Hoops boss might well play his usual four at the back.
Neil Lennon has rotated at right-back this season, so whoever comes into the side will be used to first-team football. It looks like the policy of having three right-backs at the club has proven to be a sensible one so far.
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