Leigh Griffiths is facing a lengthy lay off from football.
The striker hasn’t started a first team match since the beginning of August with Brendan Rodgers unable to put a time on when he will be back in action.
Griffiths has given a number of upbeat media interviews this week and gave no hint to any on going issues.
???? BR on @Leighgriff09: “Leigh will be out of football for a little period of time. He’s had ongoing issues for a number of months. He’s reached a point where it’s a struggle for him. We are going to give him all the professional help he needs to get him back in a good place.”
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 12, 2018
???? BR: “He’s a great guy but football and life is tough for him right now. We want to help him with that and we’ll let you know when he’s back. I’m very close with him. We have a strong relationship but he’s had number of issues outside of football.”
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 12, 2018
Earlier this season the 28-year-old signed a contract extension despite a number of rumours about problems in his personal life.
Griffiths scored his 100th Celtic goal in the Europa League qualifier against Suduva but has had a stop start time with Odsonne Edouard the only striker available to Brendan Rodgers.
The former Hibs striker lasted 70 minutes of last week’s 1-1 draw at Hibs before being replaced by the young Frech striker.
After losing Moussa Dembele in August a new striker was expected in January, with Griffiths having ‘issues’ signing a quality striker now becomes the priority in January.