When Celtic signed Aaron Mooy in the summer, it was not a popular decision at all. The Australian had spent the previous few years in China with Shanghai Port FC. He had barely featured there as well. As a result, many fans viewed his signing as a step in the sideward direction and not one that would improve the team in any way.
Mooy has proven the critics wrong and in a big way. Not only has he made an impact, but he has actually moved ahead of Matt O’Riley in the pecking order. Very few people would have seen that coming at the start of the season.
Mooy has become an integral part of Ange Postecoglou’s starting XI. As a result, his recent fitness issue will come as a worry to the fans, especially after Reo Hatate picked up an injury against Hibernian.
Mooy was not in the squad for that game vs Hibernian. Initially, the issue was not thought to be anything serious. But as tweeted out by John McGinley, Mooy has been forced to pull out of the Australia squad after consultation with Socceroos medical staff. He has had back soreness in recent weeks.
Celtic handed worrying injury news about Mooy
The fans will be hoping that this is only a precautionary step on the part of the Australian national team. And that Mooy is back to full fitness by the time the international break comes to an end.
Otherwise, Celtic might be left a bit stretched for options in the middle of the park and no real depth in the area. Let’s see how things turn out for the Aussie midfielder.
Celtic’s next game is still a couple of weeks away. Postecoglou’s side will travel away, to take on Ross County in an important Scottish Premiership game.