Celtic’s media team have provided fans with an update on the club’s Dubai training camp today, posting a behind the scenes video that shows Neil Lennon’s squad hard at work in preparation for a return to action later this month.
With the players taking part in a gruelling bleep test and apparent possession drills, it’s great to see everyone back at it and looking motivated after last week’s damaging derby defeat.
The trip is a chance for Lennon and his staff to bond the group and make some serious squad decisions over the next week or so.
Who might benefit most?
One player spotted in the training video was Marian Shved, who has only played twice since signing in the summer. His last appearance came way back in October against Ross County in the Scottish Premiership.
The winger has clearly struggled for game time this season but with Ryan Christie now injured and suspended alongside the absence of Mohamed Elyounoussi, there could now be some opportunities in late January and early February to impress.
This month could be a big one for the player either way. If he isn’t going to get the game time needed to develop further then it might be best to consider moving the attacker out on loan.
At 22, he really needs to be playing regular week-to-week football.
Elhamed also making a comeback
Another recently unseen player seen in the YouTube clip was Hatem Abd Elhamed, who has been out of action for two months.
He last started the superb win against Lazio in Rome that set us up to win our Europa League group.
The defender was an important part of that European progress, with half of his 12 appearances so far this term coming in continental competition.
However, he has struggled for fitness and injury a bit, so it’s great to see him getting stuck into the action in Dubai ahead of a potential return.
Although Jeremie Frimpong has made the right-back position his own in recent months, Elhamed has looked to be a useful option and could be preferred in games that we’re expected to defend more in.
Hopefully we see more videos from the club this week and get to hear directly from the manager about how his January plans are progressing.
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