You want the good news or the bad news first? Okay we’ll start with the bad news. Kris Ajer, despite being away with the Norwegian national team, who never kicked a competitive ball due to COVID concerns, is NOT going to be ready to face Hib tomorrow.
With Christopher Jullien still not match ready and Nir Bitton having just got back from a long trip back to Scotland from Israel via London, Neil Lennon is going to be short of options for his central defence picks for tomorrow’s trip to Easter Road.
Perhaps we’ll see at Hatem Elhamed / Shane Duffy partnership?
Asked today if Kris Ajer was going to be ready for the game against Hibs Neil Lennon effectively ruled out the Norwegian who suffered a groin injury in the 2-2 draw against Lille in the Europa League, and aggravated it on his return against Motherwell.
“Maybe not fit for tomorrow but definitely this week, whether it be Sparta or Ross County,” the Celtic manager confirmed. “He’s started training and feeling good but tomorrow’s too soon for him.”
Neil Lennon gave an update on the fitness of @Chri6ViF (not Kris Ajer 😅) in today’s media conference.
“Maybe not fit for tomorrow but definitely this week, whether it be Sparta or Ross County. He’s started training and feeling good but tomorrow’s too soon for him.” pic.twitter.com/GZyxk3LJ5P
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) November 20, 2020
There’s a suggestion that there may have been crossed wires here though and Lenny thought that he was answering a question on whether Jullien will be ready for tomorrow. If that is the case then maybe Ajer will indeed be ready. We’ll just have to wait and see. Maybe the club should consider letting the bigger audience Celtic fans sites into these briefings?
Better news though on Jeremie Frimpong who somewhat fortunately avoided serious injury at Fir Park. Devante Cole’s high and horrible challenge was only deemed to be a yellow card by referee Andrew Dallas, a decision that had the wider footballing world scratching their heads.
He’s fine, there’s no ligament damage and he’s been back training for a few weeks now,” the Celtic manager confirmed. More to follow on tomorrow’s game on The Celtic Star.
