Colby Donovan’s withdrawal from Scotland under-21 duty confirms Celtic have taken another direct injury hit, with the defender’s progress halted immediately after breaking into the team.
Donovan has been enjoying a break-out season at Celtic as he helped cover for the injured Alistair Johnston.
But with Julian Araujo departing Celtic for Bournemouth after his recent injury setback, it looks like Martin O’Neill has another headache on his hands as the young Scotland U21 defender pulls out of the current international squad.
Rate young Colby Donovan’s Celtic career so far.
Send the youngster a message of support!
Celtic injury forces Colby Donovan out of Scotland duty
The Scottish Sun reports that Donovan has withdrawn from Scotland under-21 duty after being selected for the upcoming qualifiers.
The decision follows his injury during Celtic’s defeat to Dundee United, where he crashed into the advertising boards and was forced off with a knee issue.
No official explanation has been issued, but the sequence from injury to withdrawal is clear.
This is not precaution, it is a confirmed worry caused by the damage Donovan sustained at Tannadice.
Celtic momentum disrupted as defensive issues deepen
Donovan had started the last two matches, stepping in during a period where Celtic’s options were already limited.
His involvement was not gradual, it was necessary due to gaps in the squad. Those gaps remain, with Araujo missing and Johnston out long-term.
Celtic are not losing a fringe option, they are losing a player who had already been used to cover an existing problem.
The timing removes continuity at a point where stability is required. Thankfully, Alistair Johnston is back training with Celtic and that should hopefully ease the worry over this latest update.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
