Ange Postecoglou won’t be rushing Chris Jullien into action too soon.
The defender has resumed full training after 10 months out injured but despite Carl Starfelt’s hamstring injury the Celtic boss has admitted that the Frenchman is nowhere near ready for a return.
Jullien has undergone extensive gym work since the summer but working out on the grass and regaining match fitness are the key to a successful recovery.
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Asked if Jullien was an option to face Ferencvaros:
Too early for him and his recovery. Again we’ve just got to be careful with him. We want him back. He’s going to be an enormous asset for us when he does get back but long-term stuff we just want to make sure that he’s right. He’s not too far away but for this game tomorrow – nowhere near ready.
The international break coming up from Sunday looks like the opportunity to play a closed doors match or two for Jullien with others in the Celtic squad also needing to get some game time.
James McCarthy, Albian Ajeti and Ismaila Soro haven’t played much over the last month with Postecoglou starting to settle on a preferred XI.
With Tom Rogic and Starfelt targeting the November 20 League Cup semi-final against St Johnstone there will be plenty of activity in and around Lennoxtown during the international break.
Personally, I don’t think you’ll see Julien playing regular football until the New Year. He’ll get cameo roles up till the end of the year, but if you try and get him in too soon or play too much, there’s a big chance of aggravating his injury and put him out again for a further significant period.
Ange once again is bang on in his approach.
HAIL HAIL
KEEP THE FAITH??