ODSONNE EDOUARD was a surprise omission from the starting XI to play Livingston yesterday and there were many speculations if it was an injury or something more sinister. However, Neil Lennon has confirmed that he held a heart-to-heart conversation with the club’s talisman to discuss his fitness and the Frenchman admitted he was struggling with a thigh complaint.
As reported by the Scottish Sun, the French striker told his manager that he was feeling some discomfort in his thigh and so as not to lose the 22-year-old, Lennon decided to put him on the bench and play Albian Ajeti.
“He was away with France recently and played two 90 minutes with them.
“He had missed the previous three games for us before that.
“I spoke to him on Friday and he was struggling so you have to look after the player.
“Hopefully, he will be fresh for Thursday which is a very important game for us.
“He is not causing any problems behind the scenes. He was honest enough to say he was struggling, and I take his word on that.”
Edouard is of the upmost importance to Celtic’s 10IAR bid and if this means managing his game times to avoid injuries then it is important that we do that.
Competing on all fronts is very important but this season, there’s only one thing that matters and that is the coveted 10IAR. Lennon will know that rotation and use of the squad is good but the scare that Livi gave will hopefully galvanise the aide into focusing until the final whistle.
