Nir Bitton has been missing from Celtic action from February after undergoing knee surgery but he could return to the first-team next month, as revealed by manager Brendan Rodgers.
The midfielder, who has also been successfully utilised as a defender in the past, made 22 appearances last term but hasn’t featured since a 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock in February. His last start came in December 2017.
Having to endure a knee operation in Belgium, he’s been rehabilitating in Scotland over the last few months and despite a setback is set to return after the next international break in October.
As quoted by The Scottish Sun, Brendan Rodgers said of his situation:
It will probably be after the next international break before he’s back. He had a minor setback that puts him back a couple of weeks but he’s working tirelessly to get back.
He’ll be great for us when he’s back but he’s still a little bit of time away. Normally they say that if you’re out for six months it’s a similar period until you are back to where you left off.
It will be nice to get him on the pitch. Whether or not he plays he’s a great influence on the group. He’s highly respected and we want him back ASAP.
The Israeli international has had his ups and downs at Celtic, although did find new life in a more defensive position last term, potentially helping the Hoops out in that area when he returns.
With just Youssouf Mulumbu providing direct central midfield cover for Scott Brown and Olivier Ntcham, he could be needed as the season wears on and it’ll be good to see him recover from such a lengthy injury.
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