Celtic interim boss Neil Lennon has cast a slight doubt over Hoops’ centre-back Filip Benkovic’s participation in Sunday’s Glasgow derby.
He has disclosed that the defender is not moving properly after being out for eight weeks with an ankle injury.
The player made his comeback as a second-half substitute in the 1-0 win over Dundee before the international break.
Not yet fully-fit
As a result of his injury Lennon has confirmed that the player is not yet fully-fit, and has identified Jozo Simunovic as a potential replacement.
“Filip Benkovic is still a little bit ginger on his foot, but Jozo Simunovic is back in training, so we have a few bodies back and that’s given the squad a massive boost” he told the Scottish Sun.
It would be a blow for Celtic if Benkovic was to miss the derby. He has been rock-solid at the back for the Hoops. His partnership with Dedryck Boyata is a big reason why Celtic have such a good defensive record this season.
Potential replacement is available
Whilst Lennon has identified Simunovic as a potential replacement for Benkovic, it is far more likely that Kristoffer Ajer will be the player that would be selected.
Ajer has been a solid stand-in for Benkovic. Therefore Lennon would have no issues with selecting him for the game against Rangers.
It would be preferable if the duo of Benkovic and Boyata started the game. But if that’s not the case, the available replacements are more than capable of doing a good job.
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