Celtic have struggled with injuries especially at the back, but that hasn’t derailed their title defence so far. They are on top of the Premiership, albeit on goal difference. They have also booked their place in the knockouts of the Europa League with two games to spare in the group, and the Bhoys have also made it to yet another domestic Cup final where they will lock heads with Rangers on the 8th of December.
Injury update on Elhamed
Lennon though will be without the services of summer signing Hatem Abd Elhamed who could be out for the rest of the year. Reports from the Daily Record suggest that he is likely to be sidelined for six weeks when initially it was thought that he was going to be out for 3 or 4 weeks.
That means Elhamed will be unavailable for the crucial tie against Rangers. The Israel international suffered a groin injury in the game against Lazio, and he was substituted in the last quarter of the game. The 28-year-old has done exceptionally well at the back, and he has taken everyone by surprise, including us, with his performances.
Moreover, he was brought in for just £1.6m so Celtic again managed to bring in a bargain, and their impressive scouting system allowed them to bring in talent from a relatively unknown club-like Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
Credit must be given to Lennon and Co for identifying his talent as a right-back as Elhamed featured minimally in that role before. He primarily played as a centre back in previous years and was only being used as a makeshift right-back option. His versatility has already proven to be useful at Parkhead as he has featured at right-back and centre back for the Hoops. In the game against Lazio, he played on the right side of the back three.
Elhamed is comfortable with the ball at his feet, and he can carry it forward from deep areas. He is a decent defender as well, and he is strong and committed in his challenges. The defender played as a right back in the Old Firm derby earlier this season, and the 28-year-old hardly put a foot wrong in that tie.
Why Elhamed’s absence could hurt Celtic?
Jeremie Frimpong and Moritz Bauer are plausible alternatives for Lennon, and they should be good enough to cope in the league games. Frimpong has done well at right-back off late, but he has hardly been tested defensively. He will likely come up against Ryan Kent who should start from Rangers’ left side, and Frimpong could have a tough time in defence. Elhamed would have been a more natural pick at right-back for that all-important game and Lennon would certainly miss him for the League Cup finals.
