It was revealed on Thursday that Celtic centre-back Jozo Simunovic will miss the first two league games of the season after being sent-off in a pre-season friendly earlier this summer.
That is undeniably a blow for the player. However, it could prove to be a blessing in disguise for the Hoops. The absence of Simunovic could lead to the Hoops starting the duo of Christopher Jullien and Kristoffer Ajer in defence.
Could allow partnership to be established
That would seem to be the Hoops number one defensive pairing. It is one most fans would be eager to see. It would not only allow Ajer to move from right-back. But it would give £7 million man Jullien a run of games.
As for who plays right-back, Anthony Ralston is a candidate, or even potential new arrival Hatem Abd Elhamed.
Duo should start Champions League tie
Even though Simunovic’s ban is for domestic games, it would make sense to start the new centre-back duo in the Champions League qualifiers.
That would give the duo some game time together before the start of the domestic campaign. Obviously players being suspended is never a good thing.
However, the Simunovic ban could turn out to be a bit of a silver lining for the Hoops. If it allows Jullien and Ajer to forge a successful partnership then it definitely has turned out to be fortunate for the Hoops.
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