KILMARNOCK, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Celtic's Sebastian Tounekti and Kilmarnock's David Watson in action during a William Hill Premiership match between Kilmarnock and Celtic at the BBSP Stadium Rugby Park, on September 14, 2025, in Kilmarnock, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Sebastian Tounekti has been withdrawn from the Tunisia international squad.
The Celtic winger was due to be involved in matches against Mauritania, Jordan and Brazil but will instead be confined to Lennoxtown for treatment on a thigh issue.
INJURY TOLL
Over the last month Celtic have suffered a number of injury blows that has stretched the squad to the limit.
Following the game against Kilmarnock the hoops had an injury list that included Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Marcelo Saracchi, Callum Osmand and Kelechi Iheanacho.
From the match against St Mirren on November 22 Celtic have two matches a week through until mid-February.
There are 10 matches to be played before the transfer window opens on Janyary 1.
The Sun reports:
New Hoops hero Sebastian Tounekti has just withdrawn from the Tunisia squad to play friendlies against Mauritiania, first time World Cup qualifiers Jordan and the superstars of Brazil.
The Tunisia side have a serious of friendlies to play as they prepare for the Arab Cup in Qatar and the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
They’re playing Mauritania at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Radès today before taking on Jordan at the same venue on November 14.
Then the preparation concludes with a blockbuster clash vs Brazil in Lille, France, on November 18.
The in-form Tounekti would have been a big asset to the Tunisian outfit as he will be in the Africa Cup of Nations, but Mosaïque FM reports that the 23-year-old is out for ‘medical reasons’, and for now, no replacement will be called up.
Al-Araby Al-Jadeed claims that the Celtic management officially requested that the Tunisian Federation grant Tounekti a ten-day rest period, with a medical certificate to detail the progress of his thigh injury.
Tounetki – who was withdrawn late on for Arne Engels in the 4-0 win over Kilmarnock – has just three senior caps for Tunisia to his name – who he qualifies to play for through his father.
The international matches start today with Celtic desperate to avoid further bad news with injuries.
HAMSTRING CURSE
On Tuesday Johnston and Osmand underwent surgery on hamstring injuries. When it gets that severe the likelihood is that you are looking at a three month minimum absence.
Returning from a hamstring injury in winter is a complex business.
Tounekti has been Celtic’s first choice left-winger since signing on transfer deadline day.
Although he has only scored two goals, alongside Ben Nygren he has made the biggest impact on the team of the summer signings.
Of the players that missed the Kilmarnock match through injury it seems that only Iheanacho could be involved against St Mirren.
Is it not until the depths of winter – especially around / after the busy Christmas period –
when injuries typically start to mount up?
It’s only mid November, and it does make you wonder if we have the required depth
in the squad through to season end?
And what if hertz are still flying high – and actually bring in a couple of decent players /
loans in January…?
Gonna be one very Lonnnnnnnnng three months for sure !