NIR BITTON was not included in the squad at Hampden today. However, he was pictured with Kieran Tierney in the stands.
https://twitter.com/CelticFC/status/1515675071473410051?s=20&t=r5yhsR1mYB7Q_TdrHYVurw
Postecoglou has not said that the midfielder was injured, so his absence remains a mystery.
Having Bitton on the bench would have been helpful. The Israeli could have been introduced to the game to break up The Rangers’ play.
The game was crying out for his introduction. Many times this season, he has come on from off the bench to slow down the game and break up the opposition’s attacks.
I’m not saying that the midfielder would have changed the outcome of the game, but he would have been able to influence the middle of the park. The bench lacked options to change the midfield.
Postecoglou might have taken Hatate off earlier if Bitton had been on the bench. The Japanese player looked leggy at times, but this is expected after playing an entire season in Japan and the Olympics.
I assume he’s picked up a knock in training leading up to the game. He’s a great option from the bench, so hopefully, it’s nothing too serious.
