Kennedy Provides Positive Injury Update On Key Celtic Playmaker

Celtic assistant manager John Kennedy has revealed that Ryan Christie is expected to be missing for weeks rather than months after undergoing emergency surgery on a groin injury.

The 24-year-old required the operation to repair a burst blood vessel after the 2-1 defeat to Rangers in the Old Firm derby before the winter break. Asked about the length of the playmaker’s layoff, Kennedy replied:

“He had a little setback, but he obviously had that dealt with quickly so hopefully it won’t keep him out for too long. He will miss the bulk of the week here in Dubai, but hopefully, once we get back he won’t miss too many games. It will be touch and go for the first game, but it will be weeks rather than months. Hopefully, he will be okay”

It means that Christie will almost certainly miss the league game against Partick Thistle in the Scottish Cup on the 18th January, while he may also be a doubt for the next league match versus Kilmarnock on the 22nd.

The Scottish international has been a key player for the Hoops this campaign, having scored 17 goals and laid on 13 assists in 33 appearances.

Either Olivier Ntcham or Tom Rogic could take Christie’s place in the team, with manager Neil Lennon certainly not short of attacking midfielders in the squad.