The Celtic duo might be fit for tonight’s Europa League clash in Glasgow.
According to The Glasgow Evening Times, Celtic boss Neil Lennon is ‘hopeful’ that Kristoffer Ajer and Jozo Simunovic will be fit tonight.
The Hoops welcome Swedish side AIK to Parkhead for the first leg of a Europa League playoff.
Ankle and shoulder problems had put a question mark over whether the Celtic defenders would be able to participate in this evening’s clash.
But according to The Glasgow Evening Times, the Bhoys manager is optimistic that both will be okay.
It’s particularly important that Ajer plays, because Lennon did rule out right-back Hatem Elhamed, meaning that the towering Norwegian centre-back might have to play in that position instead.
If Simunovic is fit, he will partner Christopher Jullien in central defence after the Celtic boss already confirmed that the Frenchman – and left-back Boli Bolingoli – would start the game.
It’s such a big boost if Ajer and Simunovic do start. Given how precarious Jullien and Bolingoli have looked, they need reliable, ever-present figures next to them in defence tomorrow. Without them, you’d worry for the two new lads.
This will be Celtic’s first European game since conceding four times against Cluj and being dumped out of the Champions League last week.
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