Fitness gambles can backfire

News that Kris Commons had surgery yesterday on a back injury he’s been carrying for months was news to me. Injury and illness hampered Kris at various stages this (last?) season but when he reported back ‘fit’ his form didn’t hit previous heights. Now we know why.

Commons, Scott Brown and Mikael Lustig played through injury for large portions of the season. They are big players for Celtic and the story of our season can be seen through the prism of their situations. Jozo Simunovic was also less than 100% fit for what little we saw of him.

Correctly diagnosing the fitness of each of them will be important to Celtic’s performance next season. If we think Jozo and Scott will be capable of performing at Champions League level and they’re not, you could write the script on how next season will transpire.

The new manager will take a look at Kris’s age, vitals and recent injury record, and will immediately underestimate what he’s likely to get from the player next season. No new manager will rely on having a fit and able Kris Commons, but if fit, he’ll get a player with the craft to help him in Europe and domestically.

Mikael’s persistent hip injuries suggest we need to recruit a right back. There’s insufficient evidence to determine whether Saidy Janko is ready for the task, so we need to find someone who can take the pressure off Mikael’s hips.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the newspaper advertisement about Resolution 12, which will run in The Guardian and a Swiss business ‘paper.  It’s been a remarkable project. You can read more information here.