CELTIC winger Liel Abada faces a sickening FIVE-MONTH injury lay-off.
The 21-year-old raider returned early from Israel’s international break after sustaining a muscle strain in training, as CQN stated at the weekend.
Abada was checked out by the Hoops medical team and it appears the problem is a lot more serious than originally thought.
Reports from the player’s homeland claim he will undergo another scan within 48 hours and could be out until next year if the worst case scenario materialises.
HOOPY DAYS…Liel Abada holds the Celtic jersey after signing an enhanced contract with the champions last month.
The forward could miss the entire Champions League group games against Atletico Madrid, Lazio and Feyenoord, with Brendan Rodgers’ side preparing to kick off the glory bid in Rotterdam on Tuesday evening.
Israel boss Alon Hazan admitted he was saddened by the news Abada could miss the remainder of 2023 with a comeback date likely to be February or March.
The country’s head coach said: “The thing that bothered me most about the international week was the injury to Liel Abada. He is one of the best kids we have in the team.
“An amazing boy who comes along and always shows his love for the team. He is very professional and an incredible kid. He is quiet, works hard and is loved by everyone.
“Liel arrived here in maybe his sharpest and best form since I have been manager and I told him that, too. Then suddenly he got an injury at the end of training that seemed minor. But after that, we realised he was going to be absent for a long period of time.”
ON THE BALL…Liel Abada in action, but the Israeli winger now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Hazan, speaking to the Daily Record, added: “I feel so bad for the boy because he had started the season so well and he had just also signed a new contract at Celtic. I was certain he would be an important player in the national team and he would have helped us get the results we want.
“I wish him nothing but good health and a speedy recovery and hope he will return to us as soon as possible.
“We love him and are waiting for him.”
