Mikey Johnston has been forced to pull out of the Scotland u-21 squad.
The winger hasn’t played since Celtic’s Glasgow derby win at Ibrox in September but did make the substitute bench for the Betfred Cup semi-final against Hibs at Hampden.
Fortunately, Mo Elyounoussi has slotted perfectly into the side but Johnston’s continuing absence will be a source of frustration for Neil Lennon.
On October 19 the Celtic boss told The Sun:
Mikey is still struggling with the hip and groin area. It’s a bit of a concern. We’ve missed that dynamism. He’s a bit frustrated as it’s been so slow, but it’s not going to be long-term.
A month down the line it seems that Johnston is no closer to a return to action after the Evening Times reported him pulling out of the Scotland squad.
At the start of this season the Academy Graduate was one of Celtic’s most influential players, kicking the season off in style with a spectacular equaliser away to FK Sarajevo.
After almost three months out of action Johnston’s recovery will need to be carefully monitored, with an extensive fixture card through December Lennon will be keen to have the winger fully fit and recapturing his early season form.
A little too much after dinner vino?https://t.co/IjsBEcuIue
— Joe McHugh (@videocelts) November 12, 2019