NEIL LENNON insists Celtic will demand answers if Ryan Christie does not get the green light to play in the derby at Parkhead tomorrow.
The Hoops midfielder is ruled out at the moment – but Kieran Tierney has been included in the Arsenal squad that will take on Manchester City at The Etihad later at 5.30pm.
Both players were ordered to self isolate after it was deemed they had been in contact with Stuart Armstrong who tested positive for coronavirus while on Scotland international duty last week.
Christie has since posted negative to two swabs from the Parkhead club’s medical team.
Lennon, preparing for the visit of Steven Gerrard’s Ibrox side for the Glasgow rivals’ first clash of the campaign, told Sky Sports News: “Our medical department have spoken to the [Arsenal] club doctor and they have been given the all-clear for Kieran to go ahead.
“Everything is devolved up here and what we have been told is that in this jurisdiction, Ryan can’t be available to play, which we find strange.
“Peter Lawwell and the board have been pushing this since day one and we have had no clarification. If anything, we have just been met with complete resistance so far.
“Ryan was devastated. They felt they followed procedures properly and he is probably guilty by association, but he has had two tests with us, both negative, and has been for the last week, 10 days.
“So, we have a fit and able player not being allowed to play which we find, if this scenario pans out that Kieran can play, very confusing and we would want answers.
“Our preparations have been without Ryan. It would probably be folly to change that now, but we would like to have him available for the squad if possible and what we are asking is, if it is okay for one, why is it not okay for the other?
“And I think our supporters would like to know that, as well.”
Lennon also revealed Odsonne Edouard, who arrived back in Scotland today after 10 days in quarantine in Paris after testing positive for Covid-19 while on duty with the France Under-19 squad, will be assessed before kick-off while Switzerland striker Albian Ajeti is in contention after overcoming a hamstring injury.
Israel international duo Nir Bitton and Hatem Elhamed will be missing after also failing a test.
