Celtic suffer unexpected double problem vs Hibernian

Celtic find themselves in a great position right now and have only Hibernian to face, before the international break starts. Of course, the Hoops got themselves a pretty easy win when Lee Johnson’s side visited Parkhead the last time around. But this seems to be a much more resolute version of that team, who have not lost to anybody other than Hearts and the Rangers this year till now.

Thus, Celtic cannot make the mistake of taking them lightly. Hibernian do have the capacity to spring up an unexpected upset, if the Hoops are not careful.

Celtic have been handed an unexpected double problem going into the game against Hibernian as well. A lot has been made about the fitness of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Greg Taylor and Carl Starfelt. Yet, all three will be available to take on Johnson’s side.

On the other hand, it is Aaron Mooy and Tomoki Iwata, who unexpectedly miss out on this game although the situation does not seem to be serious. As reported by the Daily Record, Ange Postecoglou said:

"“There’s a couple who will miss out tomorrow. Aaron Mooy has been a bit sore the last couple of weekends so he probably won’t be able to get up for it. Tomoki Iwata got a bit of a back strain in training yesterday and couldn’t train today. At a push, both could have played, but with a two-week break, we decided to leave them out tomorrow.”"

Celtic suffer unexpected double problem against Hibernian

Mooy has been a regular starter and one of the standout performers lately. Even in the previous match, against Hearts, he found the back of the net.

Thus, the Australian not playing would be a blow for Celtic. But one would hope that Matt O’Riley can fill in his absence. This is a great chance for the youngster to show what he is capable of to Postecoglou as well, having lost his place in the starting XI lately.

On the other hand, Iwata has been mostly used as a substitute, since his arrival in January. But he has impressed immensely with his quality in the minutes that he has played and proven to be a reliable option to bring off the bench. Thus, the Japanese star not being available is a blow as well.