'No decision yet' - Celtic first-team squad could miss next two fixtures due to isolation period after Dubai trip

Celtic's entire first-team squad may have to self-isolate for ten days. Picture: SNS

It was revealed by the club yesterday that one first-team star has tested positive for coronavirus following the club’s controversial training camp in Dubai.

The Scottish Government announced a quarantine for travellers returning from the United Arab Emirates city.

A 10 isolation period will commence for those coming back to Scotland from Dubai at 4am this morning (Monday, January 11).

In addition, travellers who have returned to Scotland from the popular holiday destination since January 3 have also been asked to self-isolate for ten days from the date of arrival.

It was believed Celtic, who arrived back on Friday, would be exempt due to rules on 'elite sports’.

That, however, is not certain with a decision likely to be made today ahead of the clash with Hibs at Parkhead this evening with the first-team squad and management in danger of missing the game, as well as Saturday’s fixture with Livingston.

Decision likely today

A Scottish Government spokesperson told Sky News that Celtic’s trip would be worthy of the ‘elite sports’ qualification.

James Matthews from Sky reported that the club are being “spoken to by officials from Scot Govt & NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde” and ministers could make a decision at lunchtime on Monday.

Celtic came in for much criticism for deciding to go ahead with the training camp in Dubai following the defeat to Rangers despite the increased restrictions in Scotland.

It led to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon requesting the Scottish FA look into the trip.

Confirming the new rules, a government statement read: "Travellers returning from Dubai must quarantine on arrival in Scotland for 10 days from 4am on Monday (11 January). In addition, passengers who have travelled to Scotland from Dubai since 3 January are also being asked to isolate for 10 days, from the date they arrived back in the country.

"The change is due to a number of positive cases identified in passengers who have flown into Glasgow from Dubai since the new year.

"This preventative action addresses the significant rise in cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), and the increase in the number of cases testing positive in Scotland.

"Guidance remains clear that people should not be undertaking foreign travel other than in exceptional circumstances."