COVID CRISIS: EDOUARD UPDATE

ODSONNE EDOUARD is due to return to Scotland today after self-isloating in Paris following a positive coronavirus test while on duty with the France Under-21 international squad last week.

The Celtic talisman could be free to play in tomorrow’s derby against Steven Gerrard’s Ibrox outfit – but a frustrated Neil Lennon will be forced to wait before he can make a final decision.

Edouard has spent the last 10 days in quarantine in the French capital while it was reported Sevilla defender Jules Kounde has become the latest of his young team-mates to test positive for the virus.

He is now the FOURTH French starlet to be forced into self-isolation after failing a swab for Covid-19.

The outbreak at this level has also seen Lyon’s Maxence Caqueret and Hertha Berlin’s Matteo Guendouzi grounded by the bug.

Hoops chief Lennon, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “The coronavirus had a huge impact on us during the international break.

“If we think about all the testing we have done within the bubble at Celtic, we’ve been very strict and the protocols have all been followed.

“The club has done a great job regarding that, keeping everyone safe and protected.

“It’s out of your hands when the players go away on international duty.

“We’ve had some guys ruled out now and then you’re sitting at home biting your nails hoping that nothing else happens. Not only with the Covid situation but with the chance of a player picking up a physical injury.”

With Edouard’s situation unresolved, Leigh Griffiths, who scored a crucial goal against St Johnstone during his first-team comeback against St Johnstone, and Polish Under-21 ace Patryk Klimala are on stand-by while Swiss attacker Albian Ajeti is still recovering from a hamstring injury.