Celtic defender Moritz Bauer’s injury concern has been flagged up by Neil Lennon ahead of Thursday night.
The Northern Irishman’s Hoops get set to face Cluj, with Bauer coming into the match in good form. However, Lenny confirmed in the Scottish Sun that Bauer is a doubt to face the Romanians.
It would be a blow considering the Austrian has performed so well in his last two appearances. Lennon is certainly putting some extra faith in him these days. He’s repaid the gaffer with two assists, and is settling in nicely at Parkhead.
But the injury isn’t too much of a blow for Celtic either. So long as it’s a short-term knock, there’s no need to seriously panic.
Lennon has the option of simply shifting Hatem Abd Elhamed back in on Thursday night at right-back. If he was planning to play the Israeli at centre-back, that would’ve been a surprise anyway. Christopher Jullien and Kristoffer Ajer are both settled at the heart of the defence.
Granted, Ajer has been making some costly errors over the last few weeks. However, there’s surely no chance Lenny wouldn’t have started the Norwegian against Cluj.
Moritz Bauer’s injury is no big concern
Bauer wouldn’t have been a favourite to start over Elhamed in any case. What it does rob us of is cover. Jeremie Frimpong isn’t actually a part of our Europa League squad. You wonder whether Lenny is perhaps regretting not including him in there.
But Celtic still have enough cover in any case, and have the luxury of moving to a back three too.
Nir Bitton is set to resume training this week according to Lennon. Considering Ajer has played at right-back in the past, Lennon could still have an option or two there if we pick up an injury against Cluj.
As for the knock to Bauer, however, it’s no big deal as it stands. Lennon has the ammunition to deal with it, and it can’t be used as an excuse.
Elhamed didn’t play against Hibs on Saturday in any case. It wouldn’t be surprising if this was down to the fact he’s being eyed up for Cluj.
Bauer’s injury is a blow in terms of cover. However, it likely won’t have affected Lenny’s starting XI. The solution is staring us right in the face.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
