Hibernian handed massive blow before facing Celtic

Celtic will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing UEFA Europa Conference League exit at the hands of Bodo/Glimt. The Hoops suffered a 5-1 defeat on aggregate, losing both games, home and away, against the Norwegian champions. Thus, Ange Postecoglou’s side do need a win, to get things back on track. It is not expected to be easy though, when they travel to Easter Road to take on Hibernian.

Hibernian might not be enjoying a great season, but there is still undeniable quality in their squad. And they have definitely improved following the appointment of Shaun Maloney as manager, and look like a team on the rise.

Thus, Celtic will need to be at the top of their game against Hibernian. Interestingly, Postecoglou did leave a number of his key players on the bench against Bodo/Glimt in midweek.

On the other hand, Hibernian are not in the best condition heading into their game against Celtic. Six of their players were already in doubt and now, it looks like two more names have been added to that list.

Hibernian handed massive blow before facing Celtic

As reported by The Scotsman, Maloney said heading into the game against Celtic:

"“Unfortunately, the same six players are still out and they are senior players. We’ve also lost Elias and James through illness, which is a shame.“It’s a shame because Elias was progressing, and James Scott brings something to us that I see as a coach. In certain moments in matches he brings that speed and that power to finish games.”"

Thus, it looks like Hibernian are set to be missing as many as eight of their players and it is safe to say that the situation is far from ideal for them.

But on the other hand, this is a boost for Celtic and their chances of winning the game against Maloney’s side, who have climbed up to fourth in the table.

Of course, Celtic will still have a lot to do if they are to win the game against Hibernian but it does not look like the hosts will be at full strength at the weekend. On top of that, the Hoops’ recent record against them is a positive one as well.