James Forrest is in the final stages of his comeback from a stress fracture of the ankle.
The winger tried to shake the injury off but after being substituted during the 1-0 win over Riga on September 24 the full extent of the injury came to light.
Jeremie Frimpong and Ryan Christie have tried to play in Forrest’s position but without the 29-year-old there has been a lack of balance about Celtic’s play.
When he was first injured no-one suggested that he could be missing for five months but it now seems that a return date is approaching.
The Sun reports Neil Lennon saying:
We’re hoping Jamey will start back training with the squad at the start of next week. Fingers crossed on that. He’s been out on the grass doing his rehab fitness work and the physios are confident he’ll be ready to join back in next week.
We’ve missed him because he’s a quality player. He’s proved that over the years, time and again, and been so successful. He had another magnificent session last year and started this season well again.
But unfortunately for him he got a really bad injury and he’s had to be patient and go through all the right steps but he’s nearly there now and he’ll be welcomed back.
Forrest missed out on the chance to complete the Quadruple Treble having played a full part in the previous 11 trophy successes.
Celtic have six more fixtures this month but after five months out of action Forrest’s return will need to be carefully planned.