RYAN CHRISTIE underwent emergency groin surgery just hours after Celtic’s 2-1 loss at home to Steven Gerrard’s Ibrox side.
The urgent hospital visit completed a miserable day for the midfielder who also missed a penalty-kick with the game goalless in the first-half.
Christie is thought to have sustained an injury following a clash with Alfredo Morelos after the interval and was eventually replaced by Leigh Griffiths in the 81st minute.
The 24-year-old playmaker attempted to work through the pain barrier before being removed from the action by boss Neil Lennon. A post-match examination showed the need for immediate surgery.
It’s unclear how long the 18-goal Scotland international will be sidelined. Celtic fly to Dubai at the weekend for a week of winter training and their next game is the Scottish Cup-tie against Partick Thistle at Firhill on Saturday, January 18.
It’s a blow to the eight-in-a-row champions with Lennon attempting to strengthen his squad next month as they attempt to get back on track following their first home domestic defeat of the campaign.
Christie was unfortunate with injury nearing the end of last season when he was knocked out by Aberdeen’s Dominic Ball’s reckless challenge in the Scottish Cup semi-final with the player suffering four facial fractures on April 14 that sidelined him for the remainder of the term.
It is hoped he will make a speedy recovery on this occasion.
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