Celtic signing Hatem Abd Elhamid eases fitness concerns

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Hatem Abd Elhamed’s fitness concerns have been eased by the player himself.

One of the real frustrating things about the signing of fellow defender Christopher Jullien is his lack of fitness. The Frenchman hasn’t played a competitive game for the Hoops yet joined a month ago. He’s been on the bench against the likes of Sarajevo and Nomme Kalju, but a competitive start continues to elude him.

The problem for Jullien was the fact that his former club, Toulouse, had yet to start back in pre-season. Therefore, by the time he joined the Hoops, there was plenty of work to do. Jullien’s last came before the Rennes friendly came back in May.

But that won’t be the same for Elhamed. With Be’er Sheva’s season well underway, the right-back confirmed to the media that he’s ready to hit the ground running immediately.

Elhamed’s fitness levels are a boost

Unfortunately, Elhamed won’t be available to play against Nomme Kalju in Tallinn on Tuesday night. He wasn’t signed in time to face the Estonian side, and therefore Neil Lennon will have to find an alternative.

It’s ironic too considering the match next week would’ve seriously provided Elhamed with the most opportune time to make his debut. It could’ve been a match in which the pressure was off and allowed him to ease into things.

Instead, the first possible match he can play in will be the Premiership opener against St Johnstone at Celtic Park. It will hopefully be a sun-kissed day in Glasgow, and it could be the perfect game in which to debut.

Considering Jullien’s fitness concerns and Boli’s early knocks, it’s nice to see that Elhamed is ready to go and get underway as soon as possible.

The nine days between now and the Premiership season kicking off is more than enough time for him to get used to Lennoxtown and develop an understanding with his team-mates.

And it would take a brave man to bet against him not starting against Tommy Wright’s men too. With a bit of luck, he proves his fitness and quality on the pitch when called upon.