Celtic are facing an injury crisis ahead of the Scottish Cup final, with three first-team players named as doubts for the clash according to the Daily Record.
The newspaper reports that the 2-0 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday took its toll on Neil Lennon’s side after striker Odsonne Edouard – who has scored 21 goals this term – suffered an ankle injury.
Jonny Hayes and Mikael Lustig have suffered hamstring injuries and are reportedly doubtful, but a Celtic source told the news outlet that there is hope that the three players could return for the May 25 tie with Hearts.
“There’s a bit of concern over all three of them right now which is hardly ideal with the cup final less than a fortnight away,” the source said.
“Odsonne’s ankle injury is particularly worrying given the lack of options in attack but the hope is that he’ll be patched up and able to take part.”
OPINION
If this latest injury report is true, it’s a massive worry for Celtic. It just shows the impact the 2-0 defeat to Rangers had on the squad. Not only was it a massive wake-up call about the strength that Steven Gerrard’s side possess, but it has also reportedly led to three players becoming doubts for the Scottish Cup final. Out of all three players, you’d have to say that Edouard is the one Neil Lennon will be sweating over most. He has scored 21 goals this term, including 14 in 28 appearances in the Premiership. That means he averages a goal every two games in the league this season, which is some going, but Edouard has also chipped in with eight assists in all competitions. Celtic fans will be desperate for all three to return, as there is the prospect of completing a historic ‘treble treble’ victory with victory over Hearts, and the club will need all its best players to make that happen.