This season, more than any other Celtic fans have dreaded the International breaks.
Three times before Christmas the momentum is broken up as players are scattered across the globe, returning to Lennoxtown in dribs and drabs for the inevitable Saturday away match to keep the pressure on.
October proved to be a particular problem with issues effecting Nir Bitton, Ryan Christie, Hatem Abed Elhamed and Odsonne Edouard while James Forrest and Chris Jullien were out injured.
Celtic stumbled through October into November and another batch of international fixtures and a new set of obstacles.
It’s not often players return from international duty with the threat of a prison sentence but that’s what Moi Elyounoussi and Kris Ajer picked up as they packed their bags to return from Norway.
A friendly with Israel was postponed, home based players were withdrawn from the squad for Romania then the flight itself was cancelled with the squad dispersed with a Quarantine notice till November 23.
Having continually tested negative Celtic gave their fans a late night boost on Tuesday when they announced that their Norwegian duo will be back in training and preparing to face Hibs on Saturday. Bizarrely a shadow Norwegian squad is in Austria for tonight’s Nations League tie as Ajer and Elyounoussi watch on from afar.
If the Scotland quartet return from Israel undamaged Neil Lennon may have a fighting chance of taking full points from Hibs and getting the season back on track.
?? #CelticFC can confirm that following recent speculation both Moi Elyounoussi and Kris Ajer are able to continue training with the squad and taking part in matches. pic.twitter.com/ctxZ7sV52X
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) November 17, 2020
— Reece (@_RH67) November 17, 2020
— Cole (@cole67_) November 17, 2020
Yaaasssss big one Saturday lads let’s get in about it
— mick h (@mickhnry) November 18, 2020
— Longshaw (@youhavingalaugh) November 17, 2020
Need Jullien back in all
— Cormac O’Hara (@cmackers7) November 17, 2020
— Mechelle (@chelletothea) November 18, 2020
Need them against Hibs
— Matteo Bianchi (@Matteobianchi22) November 17, 2020
Finally a bit of good news
— Michael (@MickC27) November 17, 2020
We don’t need luck,we’re Celtic
— ???????thebarberbeefcake79??????? (@JamesGr00565405) November 17, 2020
