Neil Lennon has provided an update on when Hatem Elhamed will return to Celtic, Glasgow Live reports. The defender has been recuperating in Israel after being diagnosed with Covid-19 during the international break.
That meant that he missed some big games for Celtic, including matches against Rangers and Milan. Now Lennon has disclosed that the player is set to return to Glasgow on Monday.
“Hatem will be back Monday, his isolation period will be over. Another week or so after that” Lennon said, as quoted by Glasgow Live.
A good sign that player will soon be back in Scotland
Whilst it is unfortunate that Elhamed will miss at least another two or three big games for Celtic – the two against Aberdeen, and Lille in the Europa League – it is a good sign at least that he can return to Scotland on Monday. That is the first step in getting him back onto the pitch.
Of course, that ‘week or so’ diagnosis from Lennon could be a bit of wishful thinking. After all, neither of Celtic’s other Covid-19 victims, Nir Bitton or Odsonne Edouard, have returned to action even though both players have completed their periods of self-isolation.
Can be very useful player for Hoops when fit
It would be very useful for Celtic though if Elhamed could return to the starting line-up sooner rather than later. With Chris Jullien still out, he could provide an option at centre-back, and also at right-back.
He could also play in either a three or four at the back system. He seems like he would be comfortable with both.
For now though, Celtic must play a waiting game when it comes to Elhamed. He will have to go through a series of tests when he returns to Celtic, to make sure that his heart rate and fitness haven’t been damaged by the virus.
Should he pass those tests, then his return to the first-team won’t be that far away.
In other news, Neil Lennon has all but ruled Odsonne Edouard out of Celtic’s trip to Aberdeen.
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