Ange Postecoglou is confident that Celtic defender Christopher Jullien will make his long-awaited return from injury following the winter break, via quotes by the Daily Record.
The Australian is yet to work with the centre-half after he sustained a serious knee injury a year ago. Jullien collided with the post in the Bhoys’ win over Dundee United on December 30, 2020, and required surgery before embarking on a lengthy rehabilitation programme.
Jullien has also suffered a few setbacks along the way that pushed back his return. But he is now on the verge of enjoying a full return to training at Lennoxtown in the New Year.
Postecoglou hopeful of Celtic injury status in New Year
Postecoglou believes Jullien will almost be like a new signing once the 28-year-old is injury-free and available for Celtic. The Hoops boss is also hopeful a few others will soon return.
“He’s had a couple of little setbacks, but we are hoping now that he’s at a point where he’s ready to train fully with the team and make himself available,” Postecoglou said.
“He’ll be a great addition. He’ll be like a new signing for us, and we are looking forward to having him back. Definitely, he’s good player – he’s very commanding, he’s very confident in himself. So, we will get him involved and I’m sure he can add to us.
“Some of them – Giorgos Giakoumakis, Jullien, Jota – there are a whole host I could go through. But I’m pretty hopeful that the majority, by the time the resumption comes, will be there or thereabouts, which will be great for us. James Forrest is one of those, as well.”
Jullien will be like a new signing on long-awaited return
Jullien will feel like a new signing for Postecoglou upon the Celtic defender’s long-awaited return form injury, possibly next month. He is yet to play at all under the Australian since he took charge at Parkhead in June.
Celtic have since played 36 times under Postecoglou across all competitions. He will now hope Jullien helps to take the Bhoys backline to an even higher level once he is available.
The Hoops have conceded 37 goals to 76 scored under Postecoglou, including just 12 in 20 Premiership fixtures. No Scottish top-flight side has conceded fewer than Celtic this term.
Jullien helped Celtic to five clean sheets over his nine Premiership appearances last season.
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