Celtic have been handed another injury blow as the star is set to undergo surgery and is expected to be out for a significant amount of time.
After a disastrous run of results that saw them winless in four games, Celtic managed to turn things around in the Scottish Cup semi-final with a 2-0 win over Aberdeen. It means that their chances of an extraordinary fourth straight Trebles are still alive and they also may have managed to regained some of their form.
Of course, the club have had some terrible luck this season already and it looks like that will continue for the time being. James Forrest, who was expected to be back in November, is now set to undergo further surgery on his fractured ankle that he suffered against Riga in the Europa League qualifiers and will be out for longer than expected.
Neil Lennon confirmed the news as reported by The Scotsman. The Celtic manager said:
"“James requires surgery, so that will hopefully take place next week and get that tidied up but he’ll be out for a period of time.“I don’t know how long, it will depend on how successful the surgery is.”"
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It is perhaps no mere con-incidence that the club hit one of their worst runs in recent memory in the absence of Forrest. While he has been criticised in recent years for his performances by a section of the fans, it does not change the fact that he scored 16 goals and provided 22 assists just last season.
You cannot just simply replace those numbers. He might not have in great form this season but a player like him is always dangerous. One of those whose true value you understand when they are not around. Being at Celtic for such a long time, he brings a lot both on and off the pitch.
Lennon did not give a time period regarding his eventual return following the surgery. And we can only hope that it is as soon as possible. Until then, the club will be forced to play Ryan Christie on the wings while Tom Rogic, who has 4 assists over his last 2 starts, continues to operate in the number 10 role.