Hibs in anxious injury wait on two players ahead of Celtic Cup Final clash

By Euan Davidson

December 15, 2021

Hibs are facing an anxious wait over Chris Cadden and Kevin Nisbet ahead of meeting Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup Final.

Both Nisbet, a reported Celtic summer target [Daily Record], and Cadden both came off the pitch last night against Dundee. Hibernian picked up their second win in ten games against the Dark Blues, under caretaker boss David Gray.

And while Gray is hopeful about the chances of both players, he did suggest there’ll be an anxious wait for Hibs fans after last night’s game.

Nisbet has 9 goal contributions thus far for Hibs, with 6 goals and 3 assists [Transfermarkt]. Last year, he scored 18 goals, and made Scotland’s first major tournament since 1998 [FourFourTwo].

Former Motherwell man Chris Cadden, meanwhile, has been a regular in the Hibs team, amassing 14 appearances for the Hibees this season.

After last night’s win over Dundee, Gray said [Edinburgh Evening News]: “I am hoping it is more fatigue because they have both played in a lot of games as it has been a congested fixture list.

“The good news is that they walked off the pitch, which is always pleasing. We will get them assessed and move on from there.”

Neither Celtic nor Hibs likely to be at full strength for Premier Sports Cup Final

Certainly, Hibs aren’t alone in having injury concerns; Celtic have plenty for the Cup Final.

Ahead of tonight’s game against Ross County, it’d be quicker to name who Ange Postecoglou can pick. He’s explained that injuries are a normal part of his first season at any club. But with a trip to Dingwall tonight, the squad is in far from ideal shape.

Celtic could be without some key players. Jota will certainly miss out, while there are late concerns about Kyogo. Albian Ajeti and Giorgos Giakoumakis are unlikely to be near the first-team by Sunday.

So, Hibs may face an anxious wait, but it’s not just them with injury concerns this week.

Either way, it should be an absolute belter. Especially with manager-less Hibs potentially hiring an ex-Celt for their dugout. Or indeed, a pair of ex-Celts, in the form of manager Shaun Maloney and assistant Gary Caldwell.

Celtic, meanwhile, chase their first piece of silverware under new boss Ange Postecoglou.

Read more: Ange divulges ideal Celtic transfer scenario for January