Lennon reveals Ajer and Forrest are both “doubts” for Partick clash

Neil Lennon has revealed that both Kristoffer Ajer and James Forrest are “doubts” ahead of Saturday’s clash with Partick Thistle.

Speaking ahead of the return to domestic action following the winter break, Lennon issued an injury update on the likes of Hatem Abd Elhamed, Ajer and Forrest.

Elhamed will certainly miss the trip to Firhill, while the Celtic boss confirmed the respective fitness of Ajer and Jamesy will be ‘monitored’ on Friday.

Twitter: 🗣 NL: “Hopefully Elhamed will be fit by the end of the month. Forrest and Ajer are doubts as well so we’ll monitor them today.” (@CelticFC)

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News that Forrest and Ajer are both doubts will come as a blow for the Hoops, given how the likes of Ryan Christie, Mohamed Elyounoussi and Mikey Johnston are already ruled out.

Elhamed will miss the tie, and with Ajer also a doubt, Lennon could be a little light with regards to defensive options, and therefore Jozo Simunovic could be set for an immediate return to the side following his injury.

With regards to the wide options, it looks increasingly likely that the likes of Marian Shved and Daniel Arzani will both feature, especially if Jamesy is a doubt.

We feel as though Lennon has little choice but to bring Simunovic back into the side, and if Forrest isn’t fully fit, we’d start Shved and Arzani with the 28-year-old on the bench.

Celtic should still have enough quality to see off the Scottish Championship strugglers, and therefore it isn’t worth risking the likes of Ajer and Forrest from the off ahead of the league return next week.