Celtic’s injury woes of the last few seasons appear to have continued into this pre-season campaign as Ange Postecoglou faces a long list of players sitting on the treatment table. Against Bristol City in midweek, Vasilis Barkas had to withdraw in the warm up, whilst Mikey Johnston and Karamoko Dembele both came off with injuries sustained in the first half. Those casualties added to a worrying list, which includes the likes of James Forrest, Nir Bitton, Ryan Christie and Ismaila Soro. However, the latter trio could return for Celtic’s crucial Champions League qualifier on Tuesday, but the game will likely come too soon for Forrest.
Ange Postecoglou fielded a weakened team against Preston North End yesterday evening, but explained that this was largely a precautionary measure as he couldn’t risk further injuries.
The Celtic manager explained: “There’s a couple who are close and we didn’t want to risk them today. So those names (Soro and Bitton), and Ryan Christie, will all train tomorrow.
“Because James (Forrest) missed so much, he was out for ten days, we have just got to be a little bit careful with him. He only really got a run out yesterday and while he will train again tomorrow Tuesday could be a little bit early for him. But certainly after that he will hopefully get a week’s training.”
If Forrest is fit and wants, not forced, but wants to play get him in the team even if for only 60 minutes or so. Wonder if a lot of injuries are due to the players being trained in the correct manner i.e. to get to maximum fitness, rather than just going through the motions under lenny.