Sport nationCeltic’s Injury Woes: James Forrest Set for Six-Week Absence
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that James Forrest will be sidelined for six weeks due to an injury sustained during the Premier Sports Cup Final victory over Rangers. The 33-year-old winger was seen wearing a protective moon boot following the match, and Rodgers has revealed that Forrest is not expected to return until February.
Forrest’s Absence a Concern for Celtic
Forrest’s injury comes at a crucial time for Celtic, who are preparing for a hectic fixture schedule in both the league and the Champions League. The Scottish giants must navigate the crucial January window without one of their most seasoned wingers. Forrest’s absence exposes a lack of quality depth on the flanks, with the starting duo of Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn being the only reliable options.
Limited Options on the Wings
The drop-off in quality when Maeda or Kuhn need replacing has been evident in recent fixtures. Luis Palma and Yang Hyun-jun have struggled to consistently make an impact when coming off the bench. Palma, linked with a potential January exit, has found it difficult to maintain form, while Yang is still adapting to the demands of Scottish football.
Transfer Market Essentials
For Celtic to maintain their momentum and bolster their pursuit of domestic and European success, dipping into the January transfer market appears essential. However, whoever they sign won’t be able to feature in the Champions League against Young Boys or Aston Villa.
Potential Targets
Celtic have been linked with several wingers in recent months, including Michel-Ange Balikwisha from Antwerp, who was a target during the summer transfer window. His return to fitness ahead of January could prompt renewed interest from the Hoops. Other wide players across Europe could also come under consideration as the club looks to add quality and depth.
Rodgers’ Comments
Brendan Rodgers acknowledged the importance of addressing the squad’s width in the January window. “We need to strengthen in certain areas, particularly in terms of width and pace,” he said. “We’ve been linked with several players, and we’re working hard to bring in the right personnel.”
Key Statistics
- James Forrest’s injury duration: Six weeks
- Forrest’s expected return date: February
- Celtic’s next Champions League fixture: Young Boys (February 14)
Transfer Window Expectations
- Incomings: 1-2 key signings, focusing on strengthening the squad’s width and pace
- Outgoings: 1 potential departure, should Palma’s form continue to decline
As Celtic navigate the challenging period ahead, Forrest’s injury serves as a reminder of the importance of depth and quality in the squad. The January transfer window will be crucial in addressing these concerns.
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