Celtic duo left in international limbo, could miss Hibs trip after latest Covid-19 complication

Concerns have increased over the availability of Celtic pair Kristoffer Ajer and Mohamed Elyounoussi for next weekend’s Scottish Premiership clash with Hibs after Norway’s international with Romania was called off due to Covid-19.

Kristoffer Ajer and Mohammed Elyounoussi. Picture: SNS

Health authorities in the Scandinavian nation forbade the national team from travelling to Romania for today’s clash in the Nations League, forcing the postponement of the fixture.

The decision came after Galatasaray defender Omar Elabdellaoui tested positive. The right-back had been around the squad for a few days before the test results were revealed.

There are fears Norway’s final Nations League game with Austria will also be postponed unless the government performs a U-turn.

If the squad is forced to quarantine it is unlikely Ajer and Elyounoussi will be allowed to leave Olso in time to join up with the Celtic camp ahead of next Saturday’s league meeting at Easter Road.

Norway also saw last week’s friendly with Israel cancelled because of Covid-19 fears following a positive test in the visitors’ camp.

Celtic suffered severe disruption as a result of the global pandemic in the previous international break. They were left without four first-team stars for the 2-0 home defeat to rivals Rangers.

Ryan Christie was forced into isolation after being in close contact with Scotland and ex-Celtic team-mate Stuart Armstrong, who tested positive.

They also lost Odsonne Edouard, Nir Bitton and Hatem Elhamed, who all contracted the illness while on duty with their respective nations.

After complaints from supporters, Celtic were forced into releasing a statement where they laid out the obligations for releasing players for international football.

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