One Celtic FC star is a huge question mark for Sunday’s match against Rangers due to fitness. His presence, however, would be a huge boost for the Hoops.
Celtic fans are clamouring for a strong, tough tackling Israeli to start on Sunday against Rangers. Hatem Abd Elhamed is the star in question, and he can change the landscape of the defence. The Israeli brings great strength in defence along with great attacking play and crosses into the box. However, he may not be ready for selection due to fitness.
Hatem Abd Elhamed only played nine minutes after coming on late in Saturday’s game against St. Mirren. He used those minutes very well indeed making a quick, but impressive impact. A typical run into the box leading to him being brought down and winning the penalty converted by Callum McGregor.
Hatem was already a fan favourite with some great performances earlier in the season before picking up an injury against Lazio. He reinforced those views on Saturday and now many fans want to see him in the starting line up at Ibrox at the weekend.
His injury meant he didn’t play in the League Cup final, nor the league loss against Rangers in December. Many fans think he could have made a huge difference in both games and Saturday’s return has heightened expectations further. But, there is a question mark over whether he’ll be ready to start.
Sunday’s Glasgow Derby would be a huge game to come back in. Neil Lennon will have a good view of Hatem’s fitness returning after a long injury period. Lenny will also be considering his formation, two up front and a back three, or a back four with Hatem’s experience and skills, or Jeremie Frimpong’s speed and trickery? Hatem also brings strength and height in defence which may be enough to convince Lennon to select him to help combat Rangers tall centre halves at set pieces, even if only for the first 60 minutes or so.
Many fans would love to see him in the lineup if he is fit and ready to go, with Jeremie Frimpong coming on later in the game to help finish off a victory. We’ll know by Sunday what Lennon will do re Hatem’s selection.