Celtic are back down to two senior players in the Bosnian’s position.
Celtic’s decision not to sign a fourth senior centre-back always threatened to come back to bite them.
Just days after Erik Sviatchenko’s return to training temporarily provided Brendan Rodgers a full quota of options at the heart of his defence, Jozo Simunovic is reported to have suffered a hamstring tear.
If true, then another spell on the sidelines looks set to befell the Bosnian – so is now the time for Celtic to explore the free agent market?
The following five players remain without clubs:
Marko Basa
Released four appearances shy of his double century at Lille at the end of last season, the 34-year-old would bring vast experience to Celtic Park, having played Champions League and Europa League football. The Montenegrin also boasts 40 international caps.
Sebastien Bassong
The sacking of an old friend in Harry Redknapp looks to have scuppered the Cameroonian’s chances of a move to Birmingham City. Still only 31, the former Norwich man has himself played at the very top of European football, while on Tottenham’s books, as well as 18 times internationally.
Rolf Feltscher
Like Bassong, the Venezuela international was also rumoured to be Birmingham bound before Redknapp’s departure, but remains without a club after leaving Getafe earlier this year. His versatility – he can also play left- and right-back – could make the 26-year-old a useful addition for Celtic.
Jan Kirchhoff
Despite featuring regularly in central midfield for Sunderland, Kirchhoff spent much of his early career at centre-back, and at 6ft 5, the latter position is one he’s certainly built for. Still only 26, and once on the books of Bayern Munich, the German could be worth a gamble by Rodgers.
Emir Spahic
The man Simunovic effectively replaced at international level – although the Celtic man is yet to make his debut for Bosnia & Herzegovina after changing allegiance in the summer – Spahic has been on the market a little longer than the rest, after leaving Hamburg in January. It may take a bit longer to get him up to speed, but what he lacks in sprightliness the 37-year-old makes up in experience, having played for top clubs in France, Spain and Russia as well as Germany.
Anyone else? Cedric Mongongou; Marcin Wasilewski; Joleon Lescott.
Should Celtic move for any of the above centre-backs?
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