Celtic manager Neil Lennon has all but confirmed that Jeremie Frimpong will remain on the sidelines for the upcoming games against Hearts and Aberdeen.

The Dutchman has not featured since he was stretchered off in the 3-1 away win against Kilmarnock last month. The defender has so far missed five games in all competitions.

There is better news for Celtic midfielder Nir Bitton, though. The Israeli international has been sidelined for three weeks after picking up a hamstring injury in the early stages of the 2-1 win over Partick Thistle in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup. Lennon has confirmed the 28-year-old will be back in training today.

It is a similar situation for right-back Hatem Abd Elhamed. The 28-year-old has had a groin problem which took longer than expected to recover from, but he could be back in the squad for this week’s fixtures.

Mikey Johnston is the only long term absentee with a knee ligament injury he sustained in the 3-0 win over St Johnstone at the back end of last month.