Celtic believe the SPFL/SFA Joint Response Group will allow both Kristoffer Ajer and Mohamed Elyounoussi to play this weekend, according to the Scottish Sun.
Ajer and Elyounoussi left Norway after joining up with their national team and failing to play a single game. This came after their friendly against Israel and Nations League match against Romania were cancelled due to Covid health risks. The Norwegian international team has even brought in a new squad to face Austria later this week.
VG reported yesterday that players who were originally called up – such as Ajer and Elyounoussi – went back to their clubs on the grounds that they quarantined upon their return. It was therefore feared that both would miss this Saturday’s trip to Easter Road to face Hibs.
However, the Scottish Sun has today reported that Celtic are confident the SPFL/SFA’s Joint Response Group will allow them to feature. There would also be no intervention from the Scottish Government either considering special dispensation is allowed for professional athletes who come into the country from abroad.
Confirmation of Elyounoussi and Ajer’s availability, however, has yet to be confirmed by the club or the SFA/SPFL.
German clubs also hopeful
Another European league that has plenty of Norwegians returning to it is the Bundesliga, and reports from Germany state that they’re also hopeful of their players featuring too.
Kicker today stated that RB Leipzig’s Norway international Alexander Sorloth isn’t aware of any specifications that he can’t play this weekend. Dortmund, meanwhile. believe that Erling Haaland is subject to German law given he’s back in the country.
That would make sense too. It’s certainly not for the Norwegian authorities to demand what other players do in other countries, regardless of whether it’s to keep everyone around them safe.
So long as Elyounoussi and Ajer continue to test negative in the coming days, then it looks like we may very well have our star men back for Hibs. And that would be massive for Neil Lennon too.
Granted, we do have plenty of cover at centre-back in Hatem Elhamed, Shane Duffy, and Nir Bitton respectively, but it’s a different story at left-wing. Celtic are currently without a natural replacement for Elyounoussi if he has to sit out, with Mikey Johnston still returning from injury.
Hopefully, this can all get wrapped up after a week of real panic over the pair’s availability. As things stand, it’s looking a good bit more positive than it did 24 hours ago.
In other news, Celtic must be wary of a player who should be itching to reignite their interest this week.
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