Celtic triple injury blow can end up being a positive

Celtic have been hit with a triple injury blow at a terrible time but they have the opportunity to turn it into a positive.

It’s always disappointing when we see Celtic players limp off the pitch with injuries which rule them out of future games. That does though open the door and give opportunities to other players.

The latest injury comes from a knock picked up by Nir Bitton early on in last night’s win away to Sarajevo. He was caught late on the ankle and had to be replaced by Hatem Abd Elhamed. The Glasgow Herald captured Neil Lennon’s news on this.

"“He’s badly twisted his ankle. There’s swelling, so we need to wait and see.“We can’t diagnose it until the swelling goes down which will take a day or two. But he’s out for Sunday and certainly out for the qualifiers as well.“He’s been playing brilliantly. Hopefully, it won’t be too long, maybe just three or four weeks.”"

While Elhamed was a very good stand in for Bitton it’s still disappointing to lose him for a few games.

Elhamed was the substitute against Sarajevo, perhaps over a longer term the reinstating of Christopher Jullien to the first team selection looks inevitable and allows that partnership with Kris Ajer and Shane Duffy to grow stronger.

Albian Ajeti will definitely be missed for his new struck seam of goals in his early games. His hamstring injury from his goal against Hibs will also disrupt his steady return to peak fitness.

We’ll have to see if he will be ready and available for the Glasgow derby. It does look doubtful. If Ajeti is ruled out then the gap up front offers chances for one of Leigh Griffiths, Patryk Klimala and probably also Mohammed Elyounoussi to squeeze into the team alongside Odsonne Edouard up front. Griffiths, if fit and ready, would not be an unpopular choice.

James Forrest was subbed after injury against Riga. The Daily Record quoted Neil Lennon when asked if Forrest would be out for the Glasgow Derby:

"“Yes, I would imagine so.“We are a little concerned about James because it is a sore one and we haven’t got a length of time on it just as yet.”"

The upside here is that we get to see more of Jeremie Frimpong playing. He’s had a couple of sensational games lately seizing the opportunity to claim his place in the line up. While he was becoming a regular during last season, the move to a three at the back system limited his appearances with Forrest’s experience and goal threat with assists taking preference. Frimpong’s form may make it difficult for Forrest to return.

Injuries are always a threat, they weaken the available squad. But as in these instances the chance for someone else to step in can be very promising and successful too.