Injury boosts only add to Celtic confidence

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Celtic have certainly had their injury issues already this season, but finally things are looking up for the Hoops.

Out of what seemed like nowhere, Kristoffer Ajer returned to action against Hamilton on Sunday. His performance showed absolutely no signs of rustiness either, as he strolled the contest alongside Christopher Jullien.

The Frenchman himself also suffered a head knock during the game against Accies. He was down for four minutes with a clash that looked bad at first viewing. Jullien wasn’t moving as comfortably in the final moments of the game as he did before the collision.

Fortunately, Jullien provided fans with info post-match on Twitter stating that his head was absolutely fine. Therefore, it’s safe to assume both Ajer and Jullien will be starting once again in Rennes.

Then there was the surprising return to action for Tom Rogic. He had yet to feature for the club all season, but finally made his long-awaited return to action at Accies as a second-half sub.

Trio of injury boosts exactly what Celtic need

Heading into the game against Rennes on Thursday night, these injury returns only add to the confidence flowing through Parkhead. Having talents the calibre of Ajer, Jullien, and Rogic available will be music to Neil Lennon’s ears.

It finally looks as though both Ajer and Jullien are going to get their chance to have a run together. On paper, that’s our strongest central defensive partnership. It would be mad to break it up at this point.

Meanwhile, Rogic’s return could be exactly what we need to help boost the form of Ryan Christie once again. There’s no denying that Christie hasn’t been his usual self in recent weeks. But the return of Rogic allows us to rest him and also help spur him on in the race for the number 10 spot.

So Sunday’s 1-0 win at Accies wasn’t just good result-wise. It was also a real boost for the club injury-wise too.

Of course, that’s not to say we still don’t have our problems on the sidelines. Nir Bitton and Jozo Simunovic are both still crocked, whilst we still haven’t seen Daniel Arzani or Eboue Kouassi return to a match-day squad this season. Marian Shved, meanwhile, was injured on international duty.

But the injury list is finally getting better in any case. And, heading into a crucial stretch of games, we’re going to need as many options as possible.