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Neil Lennon explains the continuing absence of Leigh Griffiths

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Image for Neil Lennon explains the continuing absence of Leigh Griffiths

Neil Lennon has revealed that Leigh Griffiths is still short of full match fitness.

The striker has been missing from the Celtic match-day squad since the match against Rennes with his last appearance being at the end of June at home to Hearts.

With Vakoun Bayo suspended against Cluj Lennon was short of striking options with Griffiths failing to make the bench.

Griffiths’ absence at international level has opened the door to Lawrence Shankland with no date set for the return to action of the former Hibs and Livingston striker.

Speaking to the Daily Record Lennon said:

Leigh isn’t fit just now. He’s had a thigh strain and is starting back training. He had a virus that kept him out of the squad for Hibs and isn’t fit enough at the minute to figure. That’s where we are. He needs to do a bit more cardio work, so he’s not in the squad at the minute because he’s working back from that injury.

I speak to him. I don’t whip him or anything, but I just have the odd chat here and there. It’s just to see how he is doing because he’s had a difficult time. He did fine when he came back and then it dipped but that happens, it’s natural. After that, he had the injury and he’s not fit enough to play.

There is always a chance of players getting niggles but because Leigh has had that sabbatical, he’s finding it hard to maintain the fitness standards. In a few weeks he will be fit and firing.

Bayo returns to the Celtic squad for the match at Livi but like Odsonne Edouard he will be away on international duty before Celtic return to action in a fortnight at home to Ross County.

Griffiths has scored three times this season including goals against St Johnstone and Motherwell in the two opening SPFL fixtures.

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