The Sun has given sketchy details of Chris Jullien’s timeline for a return to action from knee surgery.
The Frenchman suffered a knee injury making a goal-line clearance against Dundee United on 30 December 2020 and hasn’t played since.
Jullien has been working in the gym at Lennoxtown since the summer and stepped up his rehab a month ago when he started training on grass.
With his physical recovery from knee surgery complete the biggest issue now is finding some games to regain match fitness.
At this time of year with a heavy fixture list approaching it can be difficult to find opponents for bounce matches with Jullien ineligible to play for Celtic in the Lowland League.
While The Sun report opens with a comeback by the end of this month, Christmas time seems more realistic to see him in first team action.
CHRISTOPHER JULLIEN is pushing towards a Celtic comeback by the end of the month.
SunSport understands the £7million stopper – out since last December with a cruciate ligament injury – is making good progress with what’s been a pain-staking rehabilitation.
Jullien’s back training with the Hoops first team squad. But given the length of his spell out the Celtic medical team and boss Ange Postecoglou are taking things cautiously, reluctant to put the 28-year-old under unnecessary pressure.
However, it’s believed another two solid weeks of training could lead to a playing return and ultimately first team action before Christmas.
Celtic’s next match is on November 20 against St Johnstone in the semi-final of the League Cup with a further 11 matches scheduled before the winter break on January 2.
Since Jullien was injured Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers have established themselves as the first choice central defenders with Stephen Welsh as back up.
Having completed 90% of his rehab the final steps of his return to first team action will be carefully managed by the Celtic medical team.
