Rodgers refuses to offer timeline over long term injured Celtic star

Brendan Rodgers has virtually ruled out the prospect of Liel Abada playing again before the winter break.

The winger hasn’t played since the September 3 win at Ibrox, returning early from international action after that match with a muscle injury.

A return in December was the initial forecast but with just 10 days to go until the winter break begins Rodgers is unable to put a date on when the winger will be back in action.

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How close is Liel Abada to getting back?

He’s out on the grass running and with the medical team. It’s not imminent but he’s certainly in a really good place. Hopefully, sometime in the near future, he’ll be back in with the squad.

Is there an outside chance that he’ll be fit before the winter break?

I haven’t thought about it. It’s just a day-by-day thing. We have to assess him as he goes along each day.

The loss of Abada, soon after the transfer of Jota to Al Ittihad dealt Rodgers a massive blow with much of the wing play that brought success for Ange Postecoglou removed from the squad.

At half-time against Hearts Daizen Maeda returned after six weeks out through injury but the explosive play down the flanks that was a trademark of the last two years has been posted missing.

Getting Abada fully fit during the winter break will be a priority, with three strikers expected to be involved in the Asian Cup the Israeli could be pushed into a more central role.