Celtic recently dropped their first points of the season as they drew against Hibernian at Easter Road. However, they are still sitting on the top of the table by one point. However, Neil Lennon has been dealt a significant blow recently as Jozo Simnunovic is expected (The Telegraph) to be out of action for the rest of this calendar year due to a knee injury. He will now hope to recover in time to take part in the second half of this campaign. However, the Croat is going to miss all of Celtic’s Europa League group-stage matches.
Lennon on Simunovic’s injury
The defender had a cleanup surgery as the knee injury was giving him recurring problems. Hence, he might have to spend quite a few months in rehab. Lennon recently talked about his injury situation and said, ”It is a blow for us and the player. Thankfully it is not a micro-fracture again, which is a serious operation where you are out for six to eight months. He has had a clean-up, and obviously, we have to tread carefully on his rehab, and the sooner we get him back, the better.”
Simunovic would have been the first choice option if not for his injuries. Lennon will now hope that the likes of Kristoffer Ajer and Christopher Jullien can largely remain injury-free for the rest of the season. The duo has done well in the absence of Simunvoic so far.
Other alternatives for Lennon
Lennon can also call upon the services of Nir Bitton once he returns from his injury setback. The defensive midfielder has been used as a centre back this season, and the Isreal international has looked the part so far. Bitton’s on the ball qualities, and physically dominant performances would make him a decent alternative for Simunovic.
The manager also has a versatile option in Hatem Abd Elhamed who has predominantly played as a right-back for the Hoops but has been a regular at the centre back position for his previous clubs. Therefore, having versatile players will be a big boon for the Celtic boss in times of an injury crisis.
It remains to be seen whether Simunovic can make a successful come back after such a lengthy injury setback. There is also going to be the case of Celtic wanting a new centre back in January. However, we don’t think that it would be that necessary given the options they have. Young defender Jack Hendry was also not allowed to leave on loan, so even he is there as a backup. Therefore we think that the Hoops have enough depth to cope without Simunovic. However, only time will tell whether these players will be able to come up with top performances or not.
