A YEAR ago today, Christopher Jullien bailed out keeper Vasilis Barkas when he raced back to clear a shot from Dundee United striker Marc McNulty off the line.
Celtic were leading 2-0 at the time with first-half strikes from Ismaila Soro and David Turnbull and the resolute French defender was determined to make sure Neil Lennon’s side’s advantage would not be halved early in the second period.
Unfortunately, Jullien was involved in a sickening collision with a post as he preserved the clean sheet and the £7million arrival from Toulouse the previous summer has not been seen in action since.
THE LAST POST…Christopher Jullien receives treatment after colliding with an upright in the 3-0 win over Dundee United at Parkhead on December 30 2020 – his last appearance for the Hoops.
He was helped off the pitch by the Hoops medical staff and missed the third goal from his fellow-countryman Odsonne Edouard that cemented three points.
Following a full year of anguish, the towering back-four operator is on the brink of a comeback and boss Ange Postecoglou insisted his return will be like having a new signing.
Jullien underwent surgery before a lengthy period of rehabilitation, but the Hoops boss has revealed the 28-year-old centre-back is on the brink of joining his squad for full training.
Postecoglou said: “Chris has had a couple of little setbacks, but we are hoping now that he’s at a point where he’s ready to train fully with the team and make himself available.
“He’ll be a great addition, he’ll be like a new signing for us and we are looking forward to having him back.
“Definitely. He’s a good player, he’s very commanding, he’s very confident in himself. So, we will get him involved and I’m sure he can add to us.”
KNEESY DOES IT…Christopher Jullien celebrates his Betfred League Cup Final winner over the Ibrox opponents in December 2019 with Odsonne Edouard about to congratulate his fellow-Frenchman.
Postecoglou’s side restart the second part of the season with a Premiership meeting with Hibs at Parkhead on Monday January 17 and he is hoping a list of the crocked stars will be fit for action.
Asked if others would be back, the Greek-Australian gaffer, speaking to the Daily Record, answered: “Some of them. Giorgos Giakoumakis, Jullien, Hopefully Jota.
“There are a whole host I could go through.
“But I’m pretty hopeful that the majority, by the time the resumption comes, will be there or thereabouts, which will be great for us. James Forrest is one of those, as well.”
Unfortunately, Scotland international midfielder Turnbull will not be among those in contention and he could be sidelined until March after limping off in the Premier Sports League Cup Final win over the Easter Road club earlier this month.
