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Ange Postecoglou reveals why Nir Bitton is missing from Celtic squad

By Sourav Mahanty

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 10: Nir Bitton of Celtic looks on prior to the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Livingston at Celtic Park on April 10, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 10: Nir Bitton of Celtic looks on prior to the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Livingston at Celtic Park on April 10, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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Celtic have missed a lot of key players through the course of the campaign and it is incredible how well they have been able to do despite that. It not only shows the quality of this squad but their character as well, to push on even when things are not going their way. And with just 4 more Premiership games to go, they have a 6-point lead over the Rangers.

They cannot get too comfortable though as there is still another Glasgow Derby to be played, at Parkhead. And after the manner in which Celtic lost the previous one, there cannot be any scope for complacency.

Going into the game, one key player that Celtic appear to be missing is Nir Bitton. He was not in the squad in their game against the Rangers at Hampden Park and was nowhere to be seen against Ross County either.

Celtic could definitely do with a player like him at this point of time, especially with Reo Hatate struggling badly. It has been unclear why the midfielder is missing though. Now, Ange Postecoglou has finally given an explanation on the Israel international’s situation. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, the manager told BBC Radio Scotland:

"“Niro Bitton’s got a bit of an issue.”"

Postecoglou reveals why Bitton is missing from Celtic squad

While that does not give a lot of insight into the situation, it does clear up the fact that Bitton is not being left out of the squad due to tactical reasons. Also, it does not sound like it is a major issue, which is a positive as well.

Now, it will be interesting to see when he is back in the mix. Many Celtic fans feel that he should be starting ahead of Hatate at this point of time, after it has felt like the Japanese star has completely run out of steam over the past few weeks after a sensational start at Parkhead.

Having an option like Bitton on the bench is great as well, as he can be brought on when the team are protecting a lead and need to tighten things up. One could argue that Celtic would have won the Scottish League Cup semi-final against the Rangers if they had the Israeli midfielder available on that day.

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