Celtic title hopes have suffered another ‘massive blow’ after Furuhashi latest – pundit
Ange Postecoglou’s injury-ravaged Celtic side are facing a “make or break” period this month, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Hoops’ recent injury worries are a “massive blow”.
James Forrest limped off as Celtic beat Motherwell 1-0 on Sunday, just days after Kyogo Furuhashi and Albian Ajeti suffered injuries against Real Betis.
As quoted by the Scottish Daily Express (12 December), manager Postecoglou claimed he is most “anxious” about Furuhashi – estimating the Japan international could be out for “two to three weeks”.
Whelan urged Celtic’s fringe stars to “step up and be that shining star” as the Bhoys try and keep the pressure on Rangers.
“Every injury to that Celtic squad is going to be a massive blow – they don’t have the greatest depth,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“They’ve got the cup final coming up next weekend, and players like Jota, Forrest and Kyogo are potential match-winners.
“Those players have got the experience to make the difference in the title battle as well. This is a period in the season that can make or break your title challenge, and that’s the case now for Celtic.
“Big decisions are going to have to be made by Postecogolou, some players are going to have to step up and be that shining star.
“It’s not easy to get it right, they won’t want to be rushing these players back and risking them being out for longer.”
The Glasgow rivals have won each of their last five Scottish Premiership games.
Second-place Celtic trail Rangers by just four points after playing 17 games each.
The Hoops take on Hibernian in the Scottish League Cup final on Sunday.
In other news, pundit hails “unbelievable” Liam Scales boost as Celtic rocked by more injury blows.