NEIL LENNON today revealed that Croatian star Jozo Simunovic faces around four months on the sidelines after his recent ‘clean-up’ knee operation in London.
And the Celtic gaffer admitted that it could have been worse but is instead now looking towards the resumption of action after the Winter break – when Celtic will as usual head to Dubai – before the defender is likely to be back fully fit.
“It was a clean-up and he knows what to do for his rehab and we are just discussing maybe if he can go away for a few weeks and do his rehab at home,” Lenny said at today’s Media Conference, as reported on Sunday Post.
“He is alright, it is a blow for us and the player. He felt it was a necessity and thankfully it is not a micro-fracture again, which is a serious operation where you are out for six to eight months.
“He has had a clean-up and obviously we have to tread carefully on his rehab – the sooner we get him back the better.”
The manager also revealed that Leigh Griffiths continues to be sidelined with his thigh strain and has now a virus to add to his recent woes. There’s better news on some of the other recently injured stars who are now making their way back into contention.
“Leigh’s injured at the minute. Not only is he out with a thigh strain, he’s got a bit of a virus as well.
“I’m hoping Bitton and Johnston will join the squad training on Monday. Shved’s back in training.
“Bauer missed the game on Wednesday with an ankle injury but he’ll be fine and back in the squad. Looking healthy at the minute.”
A word on Shved, who was mentioned as being ‘dropped’ by his national side this week because he was being starved of game-time at Celtic, ie club’s fault. Actually he picked up an injury while away on international duty last month and that’s him just returned to training, as confirmed by our manager.
Still, it didn’t stop the sly kick at Celtic during the week.
ALSO ON THE CELTIC STAR…
‘Celtic’s California Kid’ and Larry Cafiero, the new Stateside Celtic Blogger…see HERE.
‘After all the whinging, bleating and accusatory behaviour from the fans, our cup runneth over…’…see HERE.
Sutton’s Praise for ‘work in progress’ Bayo – ‘He’s powerful, and he is good in the air’…see HERE.
Boli’s Home Sweet Home – ‘It’s amazing to play in Paradise, so I feel more comfortable now’…see HERE.
Returning Hero Scotty Sinclair praises ‘unbelievable reception from the fans’…see HERE.
‘I’m very grateful that the manager gave me a chance,’ Debut Bhoy praises Lenny…see HERE.
Just how ‘Tangled Up’ were Celtic following Rangers FC liquidation? Asking for a (Res 12) Friend…see HERE.
‘Celtic should run their own streaming service and call it Caflix,’ reckons Chairman Lmao…see HERE.
‘The scoreline didn’t flatter Celtic,’ admits Jags boss McCall after five goal thrashing…see HERE.
‘What Kenny Miller does in the privacy is no business of the Green Brigade,’ David Potter…see HERE.
Sandman’s Definitive Ratings – Celtic 5 West End Thespians 0…see HERE.
‘Tom Rogic was simply breath-taking.Take a bow Olivier Ntcham. A masterclass,’ Niall J…see HERE.
Celtic’s five goal thrashing sets up semifinal against Hibs…see HERE.
‘Hail Hail, les Celts sont ici’ – Matt Corr’s Rennes Diary…see HERE.
