Celtic injury worries tally up in physical friendly against Bristol City

By David Walton

July 14, 2021

Celtic were left counting the cost of a physical clash against Bristol City in their third pre-season match this evening.

The game itself finished 0-0. However, the result meant absolutely nothing on a night when we’re anxiously waiting to see who will be fit for our UCL clash against Midtjylland next week.

It started before kick-off when Vasilis Barkas was injured in the warm-up. In came Scott Bain, who would go on to play the full 90. Bain looks primed to face the Danish side next week unless Barkas makes a swift recovery.

And our night would take a bigger blow as the first 45 rolled on. Firstly, Mikey Johnston appeared to pull up with a hamstring injury midway through the half. Given his previous ligament concerns, it’s fair to say there will be major concerns over his condition.

Karamoko Dembele was next after being the subject of a shocking challenge towards the end of the half. All of a sudden, Celtic were left without their seemingly current first-choice wingers just a week out from Midtjylland.

Celtic pick up exactly what they wanted to avoid in Bristol

At the time of writing, Ange Postecoglou hasn’t had the chance to provide an update on all three. But there are a real lack of alternatives when it comes to the wide men. Same goes for Ismaila Soro who came off at half-time after struggling towards the end of the first period.

With Mohamed Elyounoussi having left the club in the summer, Johnston remains his replacement. Outside of Mikey, there isn’t anyone who has the ability to feature in that position for a UCL qualifier.

There are also question marks over whether James Forrest will be fit for next week. If Dembele is out too, Celtic may need to throw in new signing Liel Abada. Hardly ideal for Postecoglou.

All we can do is cross our fingers that none of tonight’s injuries are severe. But given the delicacy of our situation, you can’t help but worry.

It was the only thing dominating the Celtic fans’ thoughts throughout the game. And many weren’t pleased with some of the challenges on show:

In other news: WHEN Liel Abada will take part in his first Celtic training session