Dembele has not recovered from his injury says French boss

France under-21 manager, Sylvian Ripoll is not confident that Moussa Dembele will be fit enough to face Cameroon in tonight’s friendly.

The striker picked up a hamstring injury in April’s Scottish Cup semi-final win over Rangers. It ruled him out of the rest of the league campaign before he returned as an unused substitute, in the Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen.

As reported by the Evening Times, Ripoll said:

He’s coming off a big season. He was very successful.

He is a striker who poses a lot of problems to the defence with his presence, flair and ability to perform and be a focal point. These are the characteristics we know about Moussa.

He has been bothered by injuries, especially in recent weeks. We aren’t sure if he can take part.

He has expressed a great desire to be a part of the start of this new cycle. We will manage Moussa in relation to his end of season by letting him train with us while continuing his rehabilitation, which hasn’t finished yet.

The 20-year-old made his debut for the Under-21’s last October. He has scored four goals in four games since.

Dembele has been on top form for the Hoops this season, scoring 32 goals in 49 appearances.  He has been a bargain signing, after joining from Fulham for £500,00 last summer. However, the Bhoys will have to hand-off top European clubs during this summer’s transfer window to keep him in Glasgow.

The Celtic support will be content as long as the Frenchman is available for their Champions League qualifiers, which begin in July.