Celtic face early injury concern over new striker
Celtic face an early fitness concern after their new winter signing in attack appeared to feel a hamstring issue on his debut.
Celtic have been handed an early injury concern over new striker Tomas Cvancara after he appeared to feel a hamstring problem on his debut against Hearts.
The January loan arrival from Borussia Monchengladbach started at Tynecastle just days after joining the club, but was replaced after 66 minutes.
Manager Martin O’Neill said (h/t 67 Hail Hail) the change was made because the Czech Republic international was “holding his hamstring”, raising fears over his fitness so soon after signing.
O’Neill was otherwise pleased with the forward’s first outing in a Celtic shirt. He praised Cvancara’s movement in the build-up to the goals and highlighted his pace and control, insisting the striker “will do fine” once he has more training sessions with his new team-mates.
Celtic face early injury concern over new striker
Celtic went into this window needing more options in attack, with doubts over whether Johnny Kenny can lead the line at the required level. Cvancara’s arrival on loan was seen as an important step to filling that gap and offering a different profile up front.
If the hamstring issue proves to be serious, it would be a major blow for the Scottish champions, who have had their fair share of bad luck in recent months.
Losing their new centre-forward after just 66 minutes of football would only add to the frustration around the club’s recent recruitment and injury problems.
For now, Celtic will wait to learn the full extent of the problem. The hope is that the substitution against Hearts was only a precaution and that Cvancara will be available for the next match, a Europa League group game against FC Utrecht.
