This evening, we received the news that Celtic defender Hatem Elhamed has tested positive for Covid-19 and will therefore have to self-isolate, meaning he will Saturday’s crucial fixture against Rangers.
After hearing of this news, the club was quick to release a statement on the Celtic Website, around the news and their thoughts on the situation.
There were some interesting points made in the statement, showing the clubs frustration around the matter, including a comment surrounding players being released from their national sides.
“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.
“Our medical staff will maintain constant dialogue with him and will provide all required support. Everyone at the Club sends Hatem our best wishes and, of course, we hope he makes a full recovery as soon as possible.
“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.
“While FIFA regulations determine that clubs are obliged to release players for international duty, going forward we are sure wider discussions will take place around this hugely important issue. We will monitor these discussions closely.”
This is now the third player we have lost for the game on Sunday if you include Ryan Christie, Nir Bitton and Hatem Elhamed, with there also being a high possibility that Odsonne Edouard misses out due to his isolation ending just a day before the game is set to take place.
It is extremely frustrating that this seems to all be hitting us at once during probably the worst period that it could happen.
At the moment, we should go into the game still confident of getting the result with the squad we have at our disposal. At the same time though, we also have to hope there are no more positive tests or players forced into isolation.
It’s the disadvantage to having lots of internationals in the Hoops team. Sevco have next to none. Unless they came out of retirement!!!!! COYBIG ?? NLFA ?? HWGFTINR ?? YTDP ??