Hibernian handed triple blow for game against Celtic

Celtic fans will have great memories of their previous game against Hibernian. Kyogo Furuhashi scored a wonderful brace as the Hoops came from a goal behind to win 2-1 and lift the Scottish League Cup, also bringing an end to their season-long wait for silverware. Now, the two sides are set to meet again, this time at Parkhead, as football returns from the winter break.

Celtic will be hoping to go on a good run of form from here on forward as they look to mount a title challenge against the Rangers, who have a 6-point lead at the top of the table right now.

While that is a significant gap of points behind the two Glasgow giants, it is nothing that cannot be overturned with almost half the league season remaining, including a trio of Glasgow Derbies.

On the other hand, Hibernian have brought in Shaun Maloney as their manager, in a move that has earned a lot of praise, and will be looking to turn their season around and move up the Premiership table. They have been handed a triple blow before the game against Celtic though.

Hibernian handed triple blow before Celtic game

Elias Melkersen is a highly-rated player that Hibernian have signed recently but he is still going through work permit issues. On the other hand, Ewan Henderson will not be able to participate against Celtic as he is on loan from Parkhead at the moment. As reported by Edinburgh News, Maloney said:

"“The new arrivals are all at different stages. With Elias, we are still working on the work permit. Ewan can’t play because of his loan agreement.”"

Chris Mueller is also not expected to play because he has not played a competitive game of football since November.

On top of that Ryan Porteous and Paul McGinn are also both suspended at the moment and will miss the game against Celtic. Thus, it is safe to say that Hibernian will be missing a number of key players.