Celtic have recalled Scott Robertson from Gillingham after thirteen first team players as well as three members of staff were forced to isolate after Christopher Jullien tested positive for Coronavirus. The French defender was continuing his recovery from the injury with the team in Dubai but in testing positive, a huge chunk of the first team were forced out of last night’s home draw versus Hibs.
Now, with a double-header versus Livingston in the coming nine days, Celtic have scrambled to bring back some of their players currently out on loan. Ross Doohan was on the bench for the game last night as Conor Hazard reclaimed the gloves. However, Robertson is heading back from English League One side Gillingham after a successful period there.
Celtic have recalled midfielder Scott Robertson from his loan at Gillingham to help out with their #COVID19 issues.
The 19-year-old will go straight back into their depleted first team.
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) January 11, 2021
However, with all four of Celtic’s strikers having to isolate, the position that needs to be strengthened is the striking role at the club. Jonathan Afolabi has been impressing with Championship Dundee and despite not having made his debut yet for Celtic, he would offer some presence against a well-drilled Livi side.
Celtic are still to publicly back Afolabi after the Irish striker was racially abused in the aftermath of Dundee’s Scottish Cup win over Bonnyrigg Rose. Both the FAI and Dundee supported him but there was radio silence from Celtic.
You could argue about recalling Jack Hendry or Bolingoli and improving the team and you would probably be right. However, the team are facing David Martindale’s side that have won six in a row and are unbeaten in eight. This will be an enormous ask given the current players that Celtic have available to play.
