Celtic centre-back Kristoffer Ajer has moved to reassure Hoops supporters that he’s in good hands after recent blows regarding Covid-19.
Neil Lennon has suffered a ridiculous level of setbacks over the last seven days with some key members of his squad hit with self-isolation procedures. Odsonne Edouard, Nir Bitton, and Hatem Elhamed have all tested positive, whilst Ryan Christie is having to self-isolate as a close contact of another holder.
Naturally, that’s led to big concerns and panic over who could be next from the Celtic first-team. It comes at a shocking time also considering the club has a massive clash against Rangers to think about on Saturday.
But Ajer has downplayed any fears of himself or team-mate Mohamed Elyounoussi picking it up with Norway. He believes that his international set-up is in “full control” of the situation.
As quoted by the Scottish Sun, Ajer said: “There have been some cases with Celtic players.
“But all protocols and everything have been carried out in a brilliant way here with the Norway national team. We have had full control. Everyone has worn a face mask and follows the guidelines that have come from UEFA.
“So it has not been a problem to be here.”
Words won’t mean much to a concerned Hoops support
As much as Ajer means well and is trying to reassure, it likely won’t have much of an effect on an already angry Celtic support.
Over the last week, the club’s fans have consistently bemoaned the fact that international football is even going ahead during a global pandemic. And it does open itself up to ridicule considering it effectively goes against so many countries’ laws.
But Ajer’s words simply don’t guarantee anything. There are plenty of occasions where people don’t even know if they have it before testing positive. Just because there are no symptoms doesn’t quite mean you’re out of the woods.
The Celtic support is entitled to be worried about their defensive ranks too. With Bitton and Elhamed out, it means that Lennon only has Stephen Welsh for cover if he goes with a back three. Should Ajer therefore pick up the virus or be a close contact, Welsh would have to be thrown in with no senior cover.
It could be the case that Lennon instead goes with a back two against Rangers and AC Milan, but the point is still valid. It’s an extremely delicate position at the moment, and we can’t really afford any further blows there.
Of course, the first priority is always the player’s health. In that respect, we wish all of our international players a safe few days before they return to Lennoxtown.
In other news, a Premiership manager has provided an update on his star man ahead of a double-header against Celtic.
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