Celtic star doubt for clash v Rangers after international break
Celtic have confirmed that striker Odsonne Edouard has tested positive for COVID-19, potentially ruling him out the October 17 clash with Rangers.
The French striker tested positive for COVID-19 after being tested on international duty with the French Under-21 side.
This throws doubt on whether Edouard will be able to face Rangers in the first Old Firm game of the season at Celtic Park on October 17.
The French Football Federation also confirmed the news and released a statement saying, “The result of his Covid-19 test carried out by UEFA this Tuesday morning, October 6 having been positive, Odsonne Édouard was sidelined from the group upon receipt of the results, at the end of training. He was then placed in isolation.”
The Scottish Sun are reporting that it is unknown when Edouard will be allowed to return to Scotland and that the Hoops are in talks with the French FA.
They say, “Edouard will isolate in France until given the all-clear to return to Scotland – but it’s not known when that will be. Celtic are in talks with French FA medics to find out when he will be allowed to travel.
“In France, you only need to self-isolate for seven days if you test positive – but in the UK the period is 10 days. Edouard has an elite athlete exemption to travel and Celtic will hope he is given permission to fly in a week.”
There are only ten days to go until the first Old Firm of the season and it is already a huge game in the title race, even though we are still in the early stages of the 2020/21 season.
Celtic will need their best players lining up if they are to stop Rangers winning, so potentially losing Edouard will be a huge blow to Neil Lennon’s side.
The Frenchman has been in good form for Celtic this term. He has scored six goals in 10 competitive outings for the Hoops, with four of those goals coming in the league. It is a strong start for Edouard who will be looking to match his impressive stats from last season when he managed 21 goals in 27 Scottish Premiership appearances.
With Celtic second in the league, but able to overtake first placed Rangers if they win their game in hand, next week’s game could have a dramatic impact on the title race. Rangers could win and give themselves breathing space above Celtic. Or the Hoops could peg the Gers back further, and take a strong lead of their own.
In other Rangers news, Rangers in advanced talks to sign free agent – journalist.