Celtic defender Jeremie Frimpong looks set to be available to face Copenhagen on Thursday night, but Neil Lennon must avoid rushing him back.
Frimpong hinted on social media yesterday that he was ready to return to action this week after making the bench against Aberdeen. You can view his tweet below:
Frimpong was stretchered off against Kilmarnock nearly four weeks ago as Celtic won 3-1 at Rugby Park. A rough challenge from Killie’s Alan Power did him in, but he looks like he’s returned in fairly quick fashion.
However, throwing him straight in at Copenhagen would be wrong for several reasons.
Firstly, just the fact that he’s missed four weeks of game-time is a bit of a problem. Frimpong surely won’t be at 100% just yet. Throwing anyone in for a Europa League last-32 clash who has just returned from injury could easily be caught out. It’s too big a risk given that aspect alone.
Power and presence required on Thursday night
However, if Lennon goes with the 3-5-2 system, and there’s every chance of that, then Celtic need to play with a back three containing three big central defenders. That means a combination of either Christopher Jullien, Kristoffer Ajer, and Jozo Simunovic/Nir Bitton.
The reasoning for this is the fact that Copenhagen like to be direct and throw balls into the box. Esbjerg goalkeeper Vito Mannone has already stated that this is likely to be the case on Thursday night (Daily Record).
If that’s how they’re going to attack, it would be ideal to have our three biggest and most commanding defenders as part of our back three. Frimpong doesn’t fall into that category.
James Forrest would almost certainly feature as the right wing-back in a 3-5-2 system. Frimpong would be best utilised in that position if he was to play. However, Forrest put in a major contribution at Pittodrie to help bag us three crucial points. He can’t and most likely won’t be dropped.
Frimpong has also hardly played in the new 3-5-2 formation. The Kilmarnock game in which he was sidelined was only our second game since the winter break. Considering the system only really kicked into gear for the second half of the season, it would be risky throwing Frimpong back into it so soon.
The Hoops have to take every precaution on Thursday night. Frimpong will have plenty of games between now and the end of the season to sink his teeth into. To ensure we take extra care, Thursday’s Denmark trip shouldn’t be one of them.
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