Having won just two of their previous seven games, Celtic will know that they need to go on a winning streak in order to get some momentum back in their sails, after what has lately been a struggle. The problem is, things are just not going the way of Ange Postecoglou’s side, both on and off the pitch.
In front of goal, they have been terrible for quite some while now and that has produced a run of 6 goals in 7 games. That is not a number that you would associate with this free-scoring Celtic side, but one chance after another has gone begging.
On the other hand, they have been struggling badly when it comes to injuries as well. While the likes of Carl Starfelt and Callum McGregor are expected to be out for a while, it looks like three more players won’t be available vs Hibernian at the weekend.
The three are Jota, David Turnbull and Stephen Welsh. As reported by Sky Sports, Postecoglou said about the trio:
"“Jota’s not available for tomorrow again. We’ve just got to be a bit conservative with him and we expect him to be back in training next week at some point.“David Turnbull picked up a bit of a knock on his ankle (against RB Leipzig) so he’s out tomorrow and (Stephen) Welsh also picked up a knock in training.”"
Celtic trio are set to miss game against Hibernian at the weekend
It goes without saying that the absence of Jota continues to be the biggest problem for Celtic, as the Portuguese winger is the attacking spark in the final third of the pitch that they are missing badly right now.
On the other hand, while Welsh might have been in the running to play vs Hibernian, Moritz Jenz’s performance vs RB Leipzig was a huge positive. With Starfelt also out though, it does leave Celtic stretched in central defence.
And finally, Turnbull is not a starter for Celtic at this point of time. Thus, the Hoops should be able to contend with his absence, if it is a short-term issue. Hopefully, all three players will be back on the pitch as soon as possible.