Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic ready to play on plastic

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has stated that defender Jozo Simunovic has made himself available to play on plastic pitches again.

The centre-back has only recently returned from another long-term injury. Simunovic has also consistently avoided playing on astroturf throughout his career at Parkhead due to consistent knee injuries during his time here. It’s something that’s certainly held him back here too.

However, Celtic will take on Kilmarnock at Rugby Park tonight desperate for centre-back cover. Christopher Jullien and Kristoffer Ajer look set to start the match, but Simunovic will play a key role in reserve.

And speaking in comments published by the Scotsman, Lenny confirmed Jozo is ready to play on plastic once again.

“Jozo is in the squad and in contention to play. I had a chat with him about playing on artificial pitches and he has made himself available.

“I thought he looked very good on Saturday when he came on for Nir, so I was pleased with that.”

Lennon must look to avoid this

Jozo has missed a large chunk of the campaign through injury once again. It’s not as if he’s been free of his knocks and is starting to feel better about himself.

Lennon will desperately be looking to avoid playing Jozo tonight. We’ve seen how fragile he can be with his knee. The last thing we need, given Bitton’s injury, is to suffer yet another setback with Simunovic.

However, Lenny has pretty much been backed into a corner here. With no centre-back cover, it seems likely that he’s had to turn to Simunovic and see if he can provide help. After all, why would the defender all of a sudden be making himself available now?

What it does do is stress the need for another centre-back signing this January. Bitton may be back soon, but it shows that when one of our defenders picks up a knock that we’re on shaky ground.

There is, of course, the option of going with three at the back tonight at Rugby Park. It would be a risk, but it would help us avoid having to play Simunovic if there’s an injury at centre-back this evening. Lenny could see it as too much of a risk though.

In any case, it’ll be interesting to see whether this is a permanent thing from Jozo. With the lack of cover, this could be all about just taking one for the team.