Hatem Elhamed’s injury problems have been a “shame” according to fellow full-back Greg Taylor.
Elhamed only made his first appearance since November when he came on for the final nine minutes of our 5-0 rout against St Mirren on Saturday. Playing down the right with James Forrest, the Israeli managed to win a penalty and come close to scoring himself.
He’ll be desperate to make up for lost time too, after being our first-choice right-back before his injury in Lazio. Elhamed had looked impressive at venues such as Rangers, Rennes, and Lazio respectively. However, his injury has effectively robbed him of what was looking like an incredible debut campaign in Glasgow.
Speaking in the Scottish Sun, Taylor has touched on Elhamed’s return, and has stated that it’s been a sorry sight to see him out for so long.
“It’s been a shame for Hatem. He came back and then got injured again. Now he’s back fully fit again, training well and he came on and won the penalty. We are delighted for him.
“Hatem is another option and improves the squad. We have great depth and can play a three or a four at the back. Whatever we’re told to do, we will go and give it our best shot.”
Defensive options looking as strong as they have all season
As things stand, Celtic don’t have any big injury concerns to worry about at the back anymore after Elhamed’s return at the weekend.
Elhamed joins Christopher Jullien, Kristoffer Ajer, Nir Bitton, and Jozo Simunovic in being available to feature at the heart of our defence.
Jeremie Frimpong and Moritz Bauer are fit to feature down the right if necessary, whilst the club has Taylor, Jonny Hayes, and Boli Bolingoli all available for selection at left-back/left wing-back.
We’re as strong in our defensive options as we’ve been all season, and that’s even after coming out a horrendous run of almost two months full of three-game weeks. To have come out without any seriously worrying knocks defensively is a good boost.
As for Elhamed himself, Neil Lennon could do with getting him back into the team as quickly as possible. He’s one of our most aggressive centre-backs/right-backs, and seems absolutely made for the right-sided centre-back position.
Of course, Bitton can’t be dropped for now. He’s in good form and is likely to start at Ibrox after stringing together three impressive performances. But when the opportunity arises, Elhamed should be given more time to build up his fitness.
Would you throw Elhamed back into the side as soon as possible? Should Neil Lennon wait until Ibrox is out of the way first? Give us your verdict in the comments below.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
