CELTIC admit they are “disappointed and frustrated” after playmaker Ryan Christie was ruled out of the first Glasgow derby of the season at Parkhead in 10 days’ time.
The international midfielder has been forced into a fortnight’s quarantine after he and Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney were ordered to self-isolate following former Hoops colleague Stuart Armstrong testing positive for coronavirus at the Scotland camp.
Christie will now sit out the match against Steven Gerrard’s side as the champions search for the crucial victory that would put them back on top of the Premiership in their bid for a historic 10 in a row.
The Hoops hierarchy insist their primary concern is with the health and well-being of all involved, with two Scotland backroom members also isolating.
But a club statement admitted regret that another issue has arisen during the international break following France Under-21 striker Odsonne Edouard testing positive for the virus last night.
Celtic revealed all other players – either at Lennoxtown or with national teams – returned negative results today.
A statement said: “Clearly we are disappointed and frustrated to learn of today’s news, however, our over-riding concern is of course the health of the players and staff concerned.
“It is of course disappointing that this has arisen during the international break but it is something which shows the many challenges clubs currently face.
“Celtic’s rigorous testing programme continues.
“The Celtic squad based at Lennoxtown have all again returned negative test results today.
“In addition all other players currently on international duty, outwith Odsonne as reported yesterday, have reported negative tests.”
Callum McGregor and Greg Taylor are also with the Scotland squad, but have not been told to quarantine.
