Celtic take squad blow with win over Hibernian

Celtic earned a victory and a loss with their win over Hibernian. The victory at Celtic Park guarantees three points, but the loss of a crucial member is a huge setback.

In a very defensive contest, Leigh Griffiths was able to make a breakthrough to secure the Celtic victory at home. The win only says what’s been going on for the past few league matches, the Celts continue to separate themselves from the rest of the pack.

However, more distance between the Bhoys and Aberdeen may be a bit tough as Craig Gordon took a knock in this contest. Nobody has seemed to confirm how long the Scottish keeper will be out for, but Brendan Rodgers will now have to evaluate who he wants in between the sticks.

Within the frame of the action showed an early free-kick awarded to Griffiths. The 27-year-old’s shot was turned down by Ofir Marciano, while Scott Sinclair was expected to come in and knock the ball into the open net.

However, Sinclair’s luck wasn’t there as his sure goal dinged off the post and out.

Sinclair tried to make up for it by working some interplay with Scott Brown. The winger then made a run down the wing and sent a ball that landed to the feet of Griffiths, but his shot went just wide.

The Hibs then made a chance of their own as Brandon Barker got sent in, but his shot was patted away by the now injured Gordon.

The Hoops rallied down the wing in this fixture. Kieran Tierney worked some magic and eventually the ball landed to Griffiths who knocked it home from an awkward angle. The striker now has 14 goals on the season, and is one step closer to 100 in his Celtic career.

Griffiths also suffered a knock to what appeared to be his calf. Rumored away attacker Moussa Dembele had to check in for the remainder of the contest.

The goal was really the best piece of dangerous attacking from both clubs. Dorus de Vries eventually came in and made a series of huge stops. Vykintas Slivka took a long-range shot that was denied perfectly by the substitue keeper.

Final: Celtic 1-0 Hibernian

The injury was the big talking point of this one. Rodgers can’t deliver a timeline at the moment, but the boss still notes that it looked serious to BBC Sport.

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"“Both are struggling,” said Rodgers. “Craig looks a bit more serious in terms of his knee.”“We need to have a look at that and the scan because he could be out for a period of time. Efe’s weight maybe twisted his MCL (medial collateral ligament) so we will see how that is.”"

It’s the worst time for a serious injury like that to happen. The schedule is only getting more stiff, and the Bhoys will need a reliable keeper. By the looks of it, Gordon may be out for the Europa League clash with Zenit.

One more signing in the January window is looking inevitable at this point. What was supposed to be a defender may now be a goalie, unless trust is given into de Vrius. Celtic were also linked to Liverpool’s Danny Ward not too long ago.

Stay tuned.

Next: 3 Celtic fixtures to look out for in the new calendar year

Thoughts on the fixture? How will Celtic respond to the injury of Gordon? Let us know in the comments section below.