Celtic fans are massively disappointed that midfielder Ryan Christie will be missing for the rest of the season, after manager Neil Lennon confirmed the news on the official website yesterday.
Christie was on the receiving end of a high challenge from Aberdeen defender Dominic Ball during last week’s Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden, suffering multiple facial fractures and requiring surgery on Thursday.
Lennon had initially hoped he may return for next month’s final against Hearts, but that’s been ruled out.
The manager said: “Ryan has multiple fractures of the eye socket, jaw and cheekbone. With it being multiple fractures, it’s going to take a bit more time. We just have to look after him as best as we can and get him back for the start of next season, and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
Obviously the absence of Christie is a blow to the first-team considering how good he has been since bursting into the starting eleven this season.
He came to prominence in the Scottish League Cup late last year and hasn’t looked back since, scoring 11 goals and assisting 9 more.
Fans believe he could’ve played a crucial part in helping secure the treble and have taken to Twitter this week to share their disappointment with the news…
Gutted for you Ryan. Get well soon and i’m sure you will be watching the rest of the Bhoys winning the SC. Treble Treble coming up. Just sorry you won’t get to play but i’m sure you will be celebrating with us. Speedy recovery wee man. ????????
— Tricia@tricia67. ???? (@TRICIA090904) April 19, 2019
Brave lad, such a shame he will miss the final. Ryan has been a revelation this season and a great inspiration to young Highland footballers.
— Lothianno4 (@Lothianno4) April 19, 2019
Pointless thuggery just when @ryanchristie2 is on fire #hasteyeback
— Lynn ???????????????????????????? (@LynnMcMillan123) April 19, 2019
Gutted! Would’ve been crucial in the cup final, but time for Rogic to step up again ???? speedy recovery to you Ryan ????
— Jacko (@RyanJackson_21) April 18, 2019
Gutted about this, get well soon Ryan!!????????????????
— WonderSleepsHere ✨???? (@joneill07) April 18, 2019
Chin up Ryan sorry to lose you for the season you’ve been fantastic bud see you at yer best next season
— Kevin gallacher (@Kevingallache14) April 19, 2019
This makes me sad.
— Mike Convery (@dubhead77) April 19, 2019