Celtic winger Liel Abada has updated supporters on his situation after picking up an injury on international duty with Israel earlier this month.
Manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed he will be out for a period of months with a thigh injury. The player himself has stated he will be on the sidelines for a more extended period than initially expected.
Posting on Instagram on Thursday, Abada said: “Unfortunately, I have just received the news that my injury will keep me out of the game for a longer period than expected.
“I am beginning rehabilitation and will work hard to come back fitter and stronger as fast I can so I can give my all to help the team achieve our targets.”
Abada picked up the injury while training with his national team as was sent for an initial MRI scan abroad. He was subsequently sent home to undergo more tests, which have unfortunately revealed a return timeline of three to four months.
In all likelihood, that will rule him out until the winter break, at least in terms of becoming a consistent starter again.
Celtic will not want to rush him back too early considering the length of time he’ll be on the treatment table.
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It’s a dilemma for Rodgers who was banking on Abada being a key part of his team this season. The Israeli winger was convinced to commit his long-term future to the club with a new contract.
This is a significant setback on ambitions to take his game at Celtic to the next level.
Hyunjun Yang, Luis Palma and Daizen Maeda are all available on the flank, alongside James Forrest and Marco Tilio. Options are available, but can they provide the raw goal threat of Abada? That’ll be the challenge now.
In other news, Laughter all well and good but Nat Phillips has hit upon a major Celtic safety concern at Ibrox.