Celtic will be without Christopher Jullien for next Saturday’s Scottish Premiership clash against St Johnstone, The Scottish Sun report.
The paper say the French defender still holds a suspension to his name from his Toulouse days last season. Jozo Simunovic is also out after his red card against St Gallen. Neil Lennon now has limited options for the season opener.
However, the manager is feeling relaxed about the situation on flag day.
He told The Scottish Sun: “Jullien can’t play the first game and neither can Jozo. That’s something we’re already taking into account going into the game against St Johnstone.
“We know that some players we bring in aren’t quite in the right condition for the start and that’s fine. We have ample cover in many positions but you want to make it better if you can.”
What are Lennon’s options now?
Nir Bitton has adequately stepped up to the plate in central defence at the start of the season. He will likely slot into one of the starting spots.
Meanwhile new signing Hatem Abd Elhamed has claimed his pre-season with Hapoel Be’er Sheva makes him ready to go. That could free up Kristoffer Ajer to move back into a central position from the right flank.
St Johnstone aren’t a team who bring big attacking ambition to Celtic Park. We are likely to dominate possession from the off.
With Boli Bolingoli at left-back, there should be capable enough talent across the defensive line to get the job done.
When will we finally see Jullien?
There’s no doubt that the big central defender has had a slow start to life at Celtic. However, it’s through no fault of anybody.
Celtic have had intense, important fixtures at the start of the season. Lennon has been right not to throw the Frenchman in before his fitness is right.
However, Tuesday night’s return leg against Nomme Kalju is the perfect chance to get 90 minutes into his legs. Being so far ahead in the tie means it’s a nothing match if approached professionally.
It’s a fairly pressure free environment perfect for Jullien.
If the Frenchman plays well then the patience has paid off and we can expect him to be a regular for the rest of the season.
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