Celtic hero Kris Ajer has recovered from his shoulder injury to be fit for today’s Glasgow Derby, according to the Scottish Sun.
The Norwegian surprisingly missed Celtic’s last game against Aberdeen 11 days ago. All John Kennedy said on the matter was the following to BBC Scotland before the Dons game [BBC Radio Scotland, 21/04, 18:47]:
“Kris Ajer took a knock and Barkas took a knock yesterday in training. So it’s ones we didn’t risk. He hurt his shoulder. Just for a couple of days he was a bit tender and stuff but there was no need to risk him tonight.”
Thankfully, the Sun reports that the defender is back in the fold for today’s game at Ibrox.
Nir Bitton took Ajer’s place in the side at Pittodrie and failed to impress. Therefore, it looks as though the Norwegian will pair up with young Stephen Welsh this afternoon.
Kris Ajer, as always, has a huge role to play in today’s Glasgow Derby
It’s brilliant for Celtic that Ajer is back and ready to play his part at Ibrox today. As always, he’s going to be monumental to both our forward play and our concentration at the back.
It was noticeable at Pittodrie how much we missed Ajer’s roaming runs forward. Regardless of what domestic fixture we’re playing in, the former Start man still has the ability to stride up the field and create space for the opposition.
Ajer has an incredible habit of not being caught out up the park for someone who loves to join in attacks too. Even in games against Rangers he’s found himself roaming up the pitch before getting back quickly to stop a counter-attack. It’s one of the real positives of Ajer’s game.
We created next to nothing at Aberdeen outside of Leigh Griffiths’ late goal. That was hugely disappointing, and much of it came because we didn’t have Ajer to open them up. He’s an incredible tool to have, and it’s ideal that he’s ready to feature this afternoon.
Sure, he didn’t exactly make the difference last time in Govan. In fact, he was one of a team of Celtic flops who embarrassed us with a dismal performance in a 2-0 defeat. But we know that if the centre-back is on his game, he’ll be one of the standouts as he’s so often been in this fixture.
The importance of having Ajer back today is big. His presence on the park should never be underestimated.
In other news, Celtic are refusing to give up on this Brendan Rodgers signing.
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