Celtic lose yet another player for Old Firm clash v Rangers, face ‘huge challenges’
Hatem Elhamed is the latest Celtic player to be ruled out of the clash against Rangers on Saturday after testing positive for COVID-19.
The centre-back had complained of feeling ill after Israel’s game against the Czech Republic.
The 29-year-old was confirmed as testing positive by the Israeli FA on Monday night.
In a statement on Celtic’s website on Monday night, the Hoops said, “Celtic Football Club can confirm that Hatem Elhamed has tested positive for COVID-19 while on international duty and is now required to enter a 13-day period of isolation in line with regulations in Israel.
“We are, of course, disappointed and frustrated that another player on international duty has tested positive – during an international period which is continuing to present huge challenges for the Club.”
Celtic have already lost Ryan Christie and Nir Bitton for the game, and Odsonne Edouard could be out, too, after testing positive while on duty for the France Under-21s.
Even if he is cleared to play there would be real doubts about his fitness.
It means that Celtic are going to be in a weakened state for the Old Firm clash on Saturday.
And the lack of fans will be a big leveller for the away trip to Celtic Park.
Rangers go into the game top of the league but only by a point, with Celtic having a game in hand.
It’s obviously early days but this is a huge match. A four-point gap would deliver a massive confidence boost to Rangers.
In other Rangers news, many international fans blown away by this Ibrox ace this week