Forrest faces race to be fit for crucial Spartak clash

Forrest has not played since a 2-0 defeat by Kilmarnock on 27 October and faces a race against time to be fit for the visit of the Russians on 5 December.

Celtic must better Benfica’s result away to Barcelona in the final group game in order to qualify for the last 16. Lennon said: “James Forrest had a scan on Monday and it has come through that he has got a tendon problem in the hamstring area. It always seems to be a complication with James, none of his injuries seem to be straightforward. We hope, and it’s an outside chance, he’ll be fit for Spartak.”

Forrest will miss tomorrow’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Inverness and team-mates Thomas Rogne (calf), Scott Brown and Joe Ledley (both hip) and Charlie Mulgrew (illness) are all doubtful.

Mulgrew and Brown both came off during Celtic’s 2-1  defeat by Benfica in Lisbon on Tuesday night.

“Thomas Rogne is not far away,” Lennon said. “Scott, the problem is the stomach and hip area seems to flare up every now and then. That wasn’t the problem on Tuesday, he was cramping up with the lack of training he has had, to rest between matches. Joe Ledley is starting  to show similar symptoms to Scott so we will have to be careful with that.

“Charlie was not feeling very well on Tuesday and may miss the Inverness game.”

Lennon revealed he would rest players ahead of the Spartak game after feeling fatigue was a problem in Portugal during Celtic’s 24th competitive match of the season.

“Charlie has played in practically all of them, as has Fraser [Forster],” Lennon said.

“A culmination of things, travelling, going away with international teams as well, it begins to take its toll. I’m going to have to use the squad for these upcoming games. We need players who haven’t played as much as they would like to really come to the fore and make sure our league form is consistent, so we go into the Spartak game ready to go.”

Meanwhile, USA striker Juan Agudelo admits he would love a move to Europe as he continues to train with Celtic. The Chivas USA player, who has won 16 full caps before his 20th birthday today, has been utilising the Major League Soccer close season to sample life at Celtic’s Lennoxtown training complex.

“I know the history,” Agudelo said. “It’s basically a religion for many. Just to have that there and have the support would be lovely. I’d have to consider a lot of things but definitely, Celtic  is a great club. Going and playing in Europe is what I would like  to do.”