After what was a ridiculous challenge on Jeremie Frimpong yesterday that could leave the Dutchman out for a period of time, Neil Lennon quite rightly highlighted Celtic’s lack of depth down the flanks.
Frimpong’s injury could leave the Hoops without a natural right-sided attacker for the foreseeable future. James Forrest is also out for the long-term as he recovers from surgery, meaning Lennon has a major headache in that position.
And it isn’t much better down the left side either. Mikey Johnston may be back in training, but outside of Mohamed Elyounoussi, Celtic again don’t currently have any other natural wide-men.
Speaking after yesterday’s 4-1 win at Fir Park to Celtic TV, Lennon said: “Look, we’re a little bit short of depth in the wider areas, but the shift that Christie and Elyounoussi put in today was magnificent.
It was the same last week after Celtic overcame Aberdeen in their Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden. Lennon again told Celtic TV after that one: “It’s not an ideal position (for Christie), but with the way we want to shape up he’s the only one who can fill that position (right-wing). Unfortunately, we’ve got to change the shape because we’ve got no strength in depth in the wide areas.”
Celtic crying out for reinforcements
Forrest and Johnston’s returns will certainly help, but Lennon’s recent formation changes suggest that Celtic are going to need to recruit down either the right flank or indeed both.
With Johnston and Elyounoussi available to play ahead of Diego Laxalt, Celtic should be in decent enough form in that area, although another addition would still be welcome.
But as it stands, Celtic don’t have one natural right-winger who’s fit and available. Yes, Hatem Elhamed can cover at right-back competently whilst Christie has experience on the right, but it’s not ideal.
With Lennon now wanting to play with full-backs and wingers once again, we need another body at right-wing. We can’t rely on Forrest coming back and picking up his form instantly. And if he doesn’t, then we’re in real trouble judging by how the squad looks at the moment.
Over the course of the summer, Celtic were linked with the likes of Bright Osayi-Samuel (Scottish Sun) and Christian Atsu (Sports World Ghana). Both can operate down the right side. it’s vital we pick up that search in January to ensure that Lennon doesn’t need to change shape due to one or two injuries on either side. If it’s not any of the two mentioned there, then Celtic have to recruit an alternative.
We’ll see if this ends up a priority for the club when the winter window kicks off in two months. But with Lennon continuing to call out those major gaps in our squad, the board needs to act and provide some funds for the manager to strengthen.
In other news, we discuss why it’s important for this Celtic star to remain patient as his game-time starts to dry up.
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