Celtic injury boost as duo finally return to training

Two Celtic stars, who have missed extended time from the pitch due to injury, are now back and training with the squad ahead of the match against Hearts.

Celtic have had some major injury boosts lately with Ryan Christie and Mohamed Elyounoussi back in the mix when they took on Clyde during the fifth-round of the Scottish Cup on Sunday. Having both of those players back gives Hoops boss Neil Lennon added weapons in the attacking portion of his game.

Now, two more stars have returned to training. Nir Bitton and Hatem Abd Elhamed have rejoined the squad in training. Hatem Abd Elhamed has been out since November, in which his last action was against Lazio. Nir Bitton has been out with injury since January, and the quicker turnaround for him is good news to the club.

Jeremie Frimpong replaced Hatem Abd Elhamed at right-back when the Israeli went out with injury, but Frimpong himself recently caught the injury bug, and as such Moritz Bauer has been seeing extended playing time. With Hatem Abd Elhamed back, the defence will get an instant boost as soon as the Israeli is match fit.

Speaking at his weekly press conference, Neil Lennon informed the media of the two players’ return:

"“We’re okay. Hatem and Nir are back in training and Elyounoussi and Christie got a run out at the weekend. No injuries picked up either.”"

Celtic has a tough five weeks ahead that include Europa League competition, domestic and Cup, plus a battle with Rangers in the middle of March. The Hoops are getting players back and healthy at just the right time. The goal now, as always, will be to manage loads to help prepare the squad to finish strong for the last part of the season, that will hopefully include a deep run in Europe.