Celtic boss Neil Lennon has admitted that two players who have been key men for the Hoops this season might not play again until after the winter break.
Lennon has confirmed that Hatem Abd Elhamed and Mohamed Elyounoussi are doubts to be fit for the game against Rangers on the 29th of December. The Celtic boss concedes that Elhamed has a slight chance of play, but for that to happen he would need to take part in the Boxing Day clash against St Mirren.
“It’s doubtful if those two will make the 29th” Lennon said as reported by the Herald.
“It will be difficult”
“Elhamed probably has a better chance than Elyounoussi. We’re hoping if Elhamed doesn’t make St Mirren, he’ll be fit for the Rangers game, but he’s been out for a while now so it will be difficult for him.”
It will be disappointing if neither player features in the derby, but Lennon has probably been planning for that to be the case.
Therefore, there is no need to bring either player back from injury in a hurry, so they can play against Rangers. It is better for the players to get fully fit.
Hoops have cover for both players
There is cover available for both players anyway. At right-back, Jeremie Frimpong will probably start in the derby, whilst Mikey Johnston or Ryan Christie can take the place of Elyounoussi.
There is no doubt that Celtic would be a better team with both players fit and available. However, injuries happen to every team in the game.
It is the mark of a good time in how they respond to dealing with problems like injuries. So far, Celtic have coped excellently.
Neil Lennon will be confident that this will continue to be the case in the three games in the run-up to the winter break, as the Hoops aim to stay top of the league.
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