Simunovic reveals the extent of his injury

Jozo Simunovic has confessed that he played for over a month with a cracked bone at the heart of the Celtic defence.

The Croatian defender has only featured 18 times for the club since signing in September, missing a few games through an injury he sustained to his ankle after his debut against Ajax.

Simunovic last played for the team on January 23rd in their 3-1 win over St Johnstone but played poorly in comparison to his earlier season form.

Some of the Celtic support may be irritated by the injuries having paid saw Celtic pay £3.5 million for the 21-year-old, however, he’s been battling the pain barrier to don the green and white Hoops.

As quoted by Goal, he said:

I cracked a bone in my knee and I didn’t know. I’ve been playing for the last month and a half with the injury! I didn’t know it was a bad injury. I’m going to be out for six weeks.

Despite the January signing of Erik Sviatchenko shoring up the defense somewhat, Celtic fans will have to wait to see whether a potential first-choice pairing will develop between Simunovic and Sviatchenko.

However, it appears the Croatian may be back for the later run-in for the Scottish Premiership title, where the club will be expected to play challengers Aberdeen in the split fixtures.

It could prove to be a crucial match in deciding the destiny of the title if the Dons keep up their current run of form.