SQUAD UPDATE: DOUBLE BLOW FOR LENNY

MOHAMED ELYOUNOUSSI is almost certainly OUT of Celtic’s three remaining games of 2019.

The on-loan Southampton left-sided forward suffered a recurrence of the foot injury he received while on duty with Norway last month when he played in the first-half of the Betfred League Cup Final victory over Steven Gerrard’s side.

Elyounoussi, who has netted seven goals in 13 appearances, was subdued at Hampden and was hooked at the interval with Mikey Johnston taking his place.

He is now likely to be sidelined until the action kicks off again with the Scottish Cup-tie against Partick Thistle at Firhill on January 18.

He will miss the Premiership game against Aberdeen at Parkhead today and will struggle for the Boxing Day clash against St Mirren in Paisley and the visit of the Ibrox team a week tomorrow.

Jonny Hayes suffered a recurrence of his shoulder injury in the 2-0 midweek victory over Hearts at Tynecastle and will miss the Dons match, but Boli Bolingoli is standing by to return to the left-back berth. Mikey Johnston is also in line for a comeback.

TWENTY-TWENTY VISION…Hatem Abd Elhamed could be out until next month.

Hatem Abd Elhamed, who injured a groin in the historic 2-1 Europa League triumph over Lazio in Rome on November 7, could also miss out on the run-in to the winter break.

Neil Lennon, speaking to the Daily Record, revealed: “We’re hoping if Elhamed doesn’t make St Mirren, he’ll be fit for the Rangers game, but he’s been out for a while now, so it will be difficult for him.

“We’ve got Jeremie Frimpong and we’ve got Moritz Bauer there as back-up, too. We’re also okay at centre-half.

“Jozo Simunovic is back on the grass now doing a bit, as well, so, hopefully, we’ll see him back fully fit in the New Year and the squad will be looking stronger again.”

Provisional squad: Forster, Frimpong, Bauer, Hayes, Bolingoli, Taylor, Ajer, Jullien, Bitton, Brown, McGregor, Christie, Rogic, Ntcham, Forrest, Johnston, Edouard, Bayo, Griffiths, Morgan and Gordon.

* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Celtic v Aberdeen this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.