Neil Lennon has revealed that Scott Brown will have to undergo surgery for his hip condition.
The Celtic skipper has been used sparingly this season with Lennon hoping that he could see out the group stage of the Champions League.
Brown was substituted after an hour of Celtic’s 2-1 defeat to Benfica with Lennon revealing that he can’t keep on asking his skipper to play through the pain barrier.
“I think it’s ran it’s course,” Lennon replied when asked about patching Brown up. “We’re looking at surgery now, I think that he’s given us everything that he could in every game.
“It’s really tough to keep asking him to push himself when he’s in a lot of discomfort and distress.
“We might have to shut him down now and have the surgery. We’ll assess it over the next couple of days but the signs aren’t good.”
Celtic will also be without Victor Wanyama for the crucial group match against Spartak Moscow.
The midfielder picked up his third booking of the group stage in the 85th minute and will be suspended for the visit of the Russians.
Celtic go into that match knowing that they must get a better result than Benfica achieve away to Barcelona on the same night.
Spartak lost 3-0 at home to Barcelona tonight and have nothing to play for other than prize money and pride in their visit to Glasgow.
If Benfica win in Barcelona Celtic will drop into the Europa League but if Jesus Jorge’s side draw or lose then the door opens for Celtic to make it into the last 16 of the Champions League.
CLICK HERE for Lenny answers the critics
Follow Video Celts on Twitter and Facebook
I am sorry Neil played brown tonight.he did not play to well against Aberdeen at weekend.I would have preferred to have gone with commons tonight just for penetration purposes.Scott obviously needs surgery but saying that we did well.H.H
Going go ask my boss not to pay me from April to April,then on march 1st ask for a loan, tax free obviously.tax payers let down and the spl will do the same,feel so let down by the courts.
Best of Luck to Scott.
Broony is my favourite player because he plays for the jersey, and I’m really worried about his future. I could have wept tonight when I saw him just before he went off. I worry that he won’t be able to play again and at such a young age.
He shouldn’t be played again until it is know for definite that everything with his hip is in top condition. We will miss him, of course, but I’d rather he was out for a while getting sorted than have his career cut short so soon. Best of luck Broony…you’re in my thoughts and in my heart.
Our thanks and appreciation are due to ‘Broony’ for all that he gives us, but I agree with Hevghirl. We must look after Scott first and foremost. His health and ultimate recovery is the most important thing here.