Celtic boss Neil Lennon has provided a promising injury update regarding Hoops defender Kristoffer Ajer. Ajer missed the recent 2-0 win over Rangers, after suffering a groin injury picked up in the 4-1 win over AIK.
The injury forced him to pull out of the Norwegian national squad. However, the Hoops boss is hopeful that Ajer can return to the squad in time for the start of the Europa League group stages.
“Hoping to have him back for Hamilton”
“Ajer will be ten days. We are hoping to have him back for Hamilton” Lennon said, as reported by the Scottish Sun, when asked when the centre-back will be back in the squad.
Having Ajer back in time for the Europa League would be a real boost for the Hoops, particularly when you consider that Jozo Simunovic and Nir Bitton are going to be out of action for a few weeks.
A risk to start player on artificial surface
However, it might be a bit of a gamble starting Ajer against Hamilton. New Douglas Park has an artificial pitch. It may be too much of a risk to start Ajer on that surface after being out of action for so long.
Hatem Abd Elhamed can fill in for the Hoops in defence if need be that day. He showed at Ibrox he is capable of playing at centre-back for Celtic.
However, should Ajer return in time for the Europa League perhaps it will be the beginning of establishing a partnership between the defender and Christopher Jullien. That is something that Hoops supporters would like to see.
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