Neil Lennon is hopeful that Ryan Christie will be able to play in the Scottish Cup Final against Hearts on May 25.
The midfielder has six weeks to return to full fitness after a sickening attack from Dom Ball ended his interest in today’s semi-final win over Aberdeen.
There was a six minute hold up to the game as Christie received treatment on the pitch after the Dons defender arrived late with his head smashing into the Celtic players’ face.
Lennon told The Sun:
Obviously there will be a lot of talk about the sending-off but for me it was a second yellow. It’s a real bad one.
I don’t think there is any real intent from Dominic to hurt Ryan but he is late in the challenge.
Unfortunately we have lost Ryan to what could be a very bad injury. He was conscious at half-time. We are not sure if it’s a broken eye socket or a fractured cheekbone.
According to the medical team, we are hopeful he will be fit for the final when it comes around. We are looking at maybe three or four weeks out.
Both myself and Derek heard the crack, it was a hell of a challenge. But again I apportion no blame to Dominic, there was no intent.
Tom Rogic replaced Christie and scored Celtic’s third goal after he was taken out by a brutal challenge that saw Lewis Ferguson get a straight red card.
Celtic retained their discipline throughout despite James Forrest getting a ridiculous yellow card for simulation when he was clearly pulled by Andy Considine.
Lennon will assess the fitness of his players on Tuesday as they prepare to see out the SPFL title race by winning at Hibs next Sunday.
The season will end with two matches in seven days against Hearts, the final SPFL fixture followed by the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden.