James Forrest to miss Celtic training camp due to Covid-19 protocols

By Euan Davidson

July 7, 2021

James Forrest has not joined the Celtic training camp due to Covid-19 protocols.

Celtic winger Forrest has been identified as a “close contact” of someone who tested positive for Covid. A tweet from the club read [Celtic FC]:

“[Chris Jullien] remains in Glasgow to continue work at home and James Forrest is not currently present on the camp as unfortunately he has been identified as a close contact of a positive Covid-19 case.”

The Daily Record reported that Forrest was suffering with a “mystery injury”, however, which casts an odd light on proceedings.

Whatever the case may be, he looks certain to miss the Champions League qualifier against FC Midtjylland on the 20th of July. Forrest missed most of 20-21 with an ankle injury, but did make Scotland’s Euro 2020 squad. Unfortunately, he barely saw game time as the Tartan Army left the competition at the Group stage.

Surely, Forrest would have been hoping to make a significant early impact under Ange Postecoglou. Although it’s a minor injury in comparison to his 20-21 woes, it is a concern. Only Karamoko Dembele can fill in on the right of an attack. Ryan Christie, just back from international duty himself, has played on that side, but with diminishing returns.

Clearly, it remains a problem area, whether Forrest is fit or otherwise.

James Forrest is only just back from international duty / (Photo by Paul ELLIS / POOL / AFP) (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

James Forrest seems unable to catch a break for Celtic

An ever-present virtually throughout his Celtic career, the one-club man has generally steered clear from major injuries. In 2014, he missed a combined 27 games [Transfermarkt], but his injury record has mostly been positive.

While Covid-19 close contact rules are vastly different from an ankle injury or a groin strain, they are still a problem. Forrest won’t be able to pick up the match sharpness and momentum he needs to be the force we know he can be for Celtic. While there were so many contributing factors to the mess that was last season, his absence didn’t help.

When he’s fit, he’ll surely be one of Ange Postecoglou’s main picks. For now, though, he has to sit this period out, and hope he’s fit enough for our trip to Denmark on the 27th.

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