In the famous words of Captain Manwairing – “Don’t panic!”. But for those not old enough to remember Dad’s Army, the recent chaos caused by positive tests and players isolating shouldn’t be feared.
Celtic head into the first derby of the season still in rude health despite the headlines of the last week or so with Neil Lennon still more than capable of fielding a team that can claim a comfortable three points.
The gaffer will be buoyed by the return to fitness of several of his key stars who have not had to travel on international duty and will more than make up for the absentees, as such, he could still name the following line-up:
Hardly a weak XI or one bereft of talent due to injuries, the biggest question will obviously be over Odsonne Edouard and whether or not he decides to start him, the 22-year old has spent some time on the bench before the international break plus his period of isolation should mean that he is well rested and ready to go.
Christopher Jullien is hardly a risk either and it will see the “first choice” defence lining up with Greg Taylor and Jeremie Frimpong as wing-backs, unless Diego Laxalt is thrown in at the deep end on his debut.
Are Celtic any weaker with players missing?
Yes
No
The midfield is a tried and tested trio which just leaves his forward pairing as the most difficult decision, it will be two from Edouard, Leigh Griffiths, Albian Ajeti and Moi Elyounoussi, Lennon is hardly short of options.
The build up to these games is always full of nonsense and this week has been no different, yes, the players that are unavailable will be missed but not to the extent that we should be worried.