Daniel Arzani’s Celtic appearances for the season continues to sit at zero.
In what has been one of the more frustrating loan spells Celtic have sanctioned in the last few years, Arzani has played just once. He signed for the club after the 2018 World Cup on a two-year loan deal from Manchester City. Naturally, many were excited about what he could provide during his Parkhead spell.
Yet, on his debut back on Halloween at Dens Park, Arzani was taken off with a nasty ACL tear. It ruled him out for the season, and any chance of an impact in year one of his loan spell was erased.
But more promising was his summer updates regarding his fitness. The Australian international posted images and videos on social media of him getting back up to speed (Instagram). He was even reportedly back in first-team training for the first time almost two months ago (Scottish Sun).
Yet, fast-forward two months later, and he hasn’t made any of Celtic’s 13 match-day squads so far this season. We continue to wait on what he can provide, with no real return in sight for him as of yet. He was also recently omitted from the Europa League group stage squad (Goal).
Daniel Arzani’s Celtic return doesn’t look likely anytime soon
Just as worryingly for Arzani has been the club’s recent acquisition of Mohamed Elyounoussi from Southampton on loan. He HAS been included in the Europa squad, and also plays in Arzani’s position of left-mid.
Even though Elyounoussi can also play as a forward, that’s unlikely to be the tactic Neil Lennon uses. With so much talent up top in Odsonne Edouard, Leigh Griffiths, and Vakoun Issouf Bayo, his chances there look limited.
And that means it’s more than likely that the former Basel man will leap ahead of Arzani in the pecking order. It may only be September, but just where are the opportunities these days for Arzani?
Lennon seems to prefer Mikey Johnston and Lewis Morgan as his current number one and two at left-wing. The arrival of Elyounoussi could change that, but even then they’re all still ahead of Arzani. That’s not even including the possibility of Scott Sinclair also being ahead of the Aussie.
Nowhere near first-choice
It’s not inconceivable to think that Arzani is as low down as fifth choice for the position. If that’s the case, he’ll have one helluva hard time breaking into the team. Considering he’s also scheduled to leave at the end of the season, this could also put Lenny off putting much trust in him. Just look at the likes of last season’s loan stars such as Timo Weah. Oli Burke, Jeremy Toljan and Filip Benkovic. None of them featured regularly under Lennon.
Arzani looked so sharp at Dens Park last year of course. He clearly has plenty to offer if he can get himself fit. But that seems to be the problem. He doesn’t seem to be showing Lennon enough to make his match-day squads.
Time is running out for Arzani, and the competition is only increasing. Hopefully we can see a bit more of him this season, because he certainly has the talent if not much time.
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