Hibernian player handed ban ahead of Celtic match

Celtic’s last match against Hibernian was a memorable one for Ange Postecoglou’s side. The Hoops managed to come from behind, to lift the Scottish League Cup earlier this month, thanks to an incredible brace from Kyogo Furuhashi, worthy of deciding any game of football. It also brought an end to the club’s trophyless run, having not won one last season. Their eyes will now be on the Premiership.

At the moment, the Rangers have a significant six point lead over Celtic but with 18 league matches left to be played, which include 3 Glasgow Derbies, that it not a lead that cannot be overturned.

One has to admit though that Celtic have very little margin for error left. And when they return from the winter break on January 17 in a game against Hibernian, they will need all three points.

Hibernian have been handed a major blow before that game though as Ryan Porteous has been handed a three-game ban for an incident involving Christian Ramirez of Aberdeen. Hibs released a statement on their official website:

"Ryan Porteous has been handed a three-match ban following an incident against Aberdeen."

Hibernian handed big blow ahead of Celtic match

It is safe to say that this is a big blow for Hibernian, as Porteous has been one of their most important players in recent times.

Celtic have worries of their own though, with several of their first-team regulars like Kyogo, Jota, David Turnbull and others struggling with injury problems right now.

In that regard, the winter break has come at a good point for the Hoops and they will be hoping that the three week period provides enough time to some of their players to rest, recover and be available for selection when they face Hibernian on January 17.

It remains to be seen how things turn out. One thing is for sure though, Celtic need to go on a run immediately out of the blocks if they are to catch up with the Rangers.