Celtic hint at unhappiness with Covid-19 set-ups at international level on losing Ryan Christie and Odsonne Edouard for Rangers fixture after paired joined up with their nations

Celtic's Ryan Christie during Scotland training session (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)Celtic's Ryan Christie during Scotland training session (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)
Celtic's Ryan Christie during Scotland training session (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)
Celtic have talked of being “frustrated” and “disappointed” over the Covid-19 situation that will cost them the presence of Ryan Christie for the upcoming derby against Rangers on October 17.

The attacker will require to self-isolate for 14 days after being deemed in close contact with Stuart Armstong, who has tested positive for the virus. It is a second such blow for the club after Odsonne Edouard tested positive for Covid-19 while on international duty for the French under-21.

French regulations demand he self-isolate for seven days, but it is understood he would not be allowed to return to Glasgow for 10 days. That would mean traveling on October 16, at the earliest, the day before Steven Gerrard’s men visit Glasgow’s east end.

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A statement from Celtic on these unwelcome developments appeared to hint at unhappiness over their players being affected by the pandemic within days of going to represent their countries, with a pointed reference to all squad members that having remained at the club’s training ground have returned a set of further negative cases.

The statement read: “Clearly we are disappointed and frustrated to learn of today’s news, however, our over-riding concern is of course the health of the players and staff concerned.

“It is of course disappointing that this has arisen during the international break but it is something which shows the many challenges clubs currently face. Celtic’s rigorous testing programme continues.

“The Celtic squad based at Lennoxtown have all again returned negative test results today. In addition all other players currently on international duty, outwith Odsonne as reported yesterday, have reported negative tests.”

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