Shaun Maloney’s pre-Celtic prep has been struck with yet another unfortunate blow with new signing Harry Clarke unavailable for weeks, the Scottish Daily Express reports.
The newspaper claims that Maloney had his new signing primed to face the Hoops at Celtic Park tomorrow night. However, an injury in a training game has saw the Arsenal loanee pick up a hamstring injury.
It’s a monumental blow for the new Hibs boss who is already without 2 of his key defensive stalwarts. Both Ryan Porteous and Paul McGinn are suspended for tomorrow night’s game.
Hibs have gone on a major recruitment drive in the early stages of the January window in order to be prepped for the return of Premiership action. However, Clarke joins other new arrivals such as Chris Mueller, Elias Melkersen, and Ewan Henderson on the unavailable list [Edinburgh Evening News].
That’s as many as 6 potential first-team stars now sidelined as Maloney’s early acid test awaits him.
The Hoops are looking to pile pressure on Rangers with a big win tomorrow, whilst Hibs are looking to keep their 100% record under Maloney going after 2 wins out of 2 so far.
Hibernian have major defensive issues on their hands as Celtic Park clash nears
It’s difficult to know how Maloney is going to combat what’s clearly a defensive crisis at this point. And this certainly isn’t the time nor the fixture to be heading to Parkhead with a light backline.
Porteous’ injury does indeed mean Darren McGregor will likely slot in instead. However, McGinn’s suspension has them struggling for a right-back option. Clarke would likely have been his replacement, but his injury will have Shaun absolutely scrambling.
And if Jota is to make his Celtic return tomorrow night, that’s going to be one heck of a challenge for whoever the Hibs boss decides to toss in there.
Not that we don’t have the odd injury concern of our own. Kyogo appears to be a doubt along with the Portuguese sensation Jota. But the truth is we appear to have the depth required to ensure those losses don’t mean much in terms of our performance level and the result. You question whether Hibs can boast the same.
We all want Shaun to do well, but you won’t find a single Celtic fan who doesn’t want his bandwagon coming to a screeching halt tomorrow night. It’s a massive game for the Hoops and it could be collosal for their new signings too.
And that’s exactly why Ange will be hammering home the message of not underestimating the opposition, regardless of the issues Hibs clearly have.
In other news, Vakoun Bayo explains why it didn’t work out at Celtic after miserable 2-goal spell
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