Despite Celtic’s hard-fought victory over Motherwell at Parkhead, Tom Rogic’s first half stoppage time goal will be overshadowed by yet another injury.
The Hoops’ Glasgow rivals applied the pressure to Ange Postecoglou’s side ahead of their game with a 2-0 lunchtime win over Hearts, puttin them seven points clear at the Premiership summit.
Celtic responded professionally, edging out a resilient Motherwell 1-0, but it wasn’t all good news for the home side, as their squad is dropping like flies. Already in an injury crisis, they lost James Forrest just 18 minutes into the match this afternoon.
Will Celtic sign any players for the J League this January?
Yes
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How these Celtic fans reacted
“This will turn out to be a blessing in disguise as wee James couldn’t tie a scarf lately, never mind score.” @barneybh0y76
“Hardly a miss tbh.” @ABigBrownLab2
“We are falling to bits.” @NotoriousBAG_
“There’s a surprise. James ‘I’m always injured’ Forrest.” @KevinHa51783689
“Useless anyway.” @KeiganC88
“I’m not even surprised” @TheStoneOfHail
Clearly not too bothered about missing their Scottish Cup semi-final hero, some fans didn’t seem fazed by the latest man to join the medical room. It will be a worry for Postecoglou, though – he must be tearing his hair out, as losing player after player is a manager’s worst nightmare.
Forrest failed to have much of an impact prior to going off injured, completing only seven passes and failing to win any of his duels. He also missed a ‘big chance’ early in the game and, despite playing for just 18 minutes, contrived to lose possession six times, as per SofaScore. Some Celtic fans vented their frustration over the 30-year-old’s latest injury, with his career dogged by frequent spells on the treatment table.
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The worry will be compounded when you consider there is a vital midweek Premiership game against Ross County, before the big one next weekend as Postecoglou leads his team into his maiden Scottish League Cup final against Hibernian.
In other news: These Celtic fans also slammed one of Forrest’s team-mates today