KRISTOFFER AJER will be given every chance to prove he is fit enough to face Aberdeen in the delayed Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden tomorrow afternoon
The Norwegian international defender limped off in the 53rd minute with a groin injury during the 2-2 Europa League Group H stalemate against Lille in France on Thursday evening.
Ajer returned with the rest of the Hoops squad yesterday morning and Neil Lennon will assess his fitness again tomorrow.
Nir Bitton, making his first appearance since testing positive for coronavirus while on international duty with Israel earlier in the month, came on to take his place alongside Shane Duffy in the middle of the rearguard.
Another option for Lennon is provided by the return of Bittion’s compatriot Hatem Abd Elhamed who is also on the way back after being floored by the virus.
The versatile back-four operator remained in Glasgow to work on his fitness while his team-mates made the trip to France.
Odsonne Edouard is also on stand-by to face Derek McInnes’ side after his substitute outing against Lille.
PROVISIONAL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Scott Bain, Vasilis Barkas, Conor Hazard;
DEFENDERS
Jeremie Frimpong, Stephen Welsh, Shane Duffy,Nir Bitton,Hatem Abd Elhamed, Kristoffer Ajer, Diego Laxalt, Greg Taylor;
MIDFIELDERS
Scott Brown, Ismaila Soro, Tom Rogic, Olivier Ntcham, Callum McGregor; Ryan Christie, David Turnbull;
FORWARDS
Odsonne Edouard, Albian Ajeti, Leigh Griffiths, Patryk Klimala and Mohamed Elyounoussi.
