Why Leigh Griffiths’ return from injury would be a big boost for Celtic
Celtic and Rangers will clash in the Scottish League Cup final next month, and a lot is at stake.
The Hoops will look to keep their dreams of a fourth consecutive domestic treble alive by beating their bitter rivals to the first silverware on offer for the season, while Steve Gerrard will look to lift his maiden trophy as Rangers manager.
Celtic boss Neil Lennon will hope he has a fully-fit squad for the game given his lack of striking options. Odsonne Edouard is in the form of his life at the Parkhead, however, the Frenchman is Celtic’s only fit striker at the moment and that’s a big worry for Lennon and company.
Well, the Scottish champions could be in for some good news as Leigh Griffiths is making progress and could return from his injury lay-off. (h/t The Scottish Sun)
The 29-year-old has been out of action with a virus and a thigh injury since September, with his last appearance for the club coming back in the 3-1 win over Hearts in August.
Griffiths has had a tough time this year. He had earlier decided to take some time off football due to personal and mental health issues which saw him miss the entire second half of the 2018/19 season.
The experienced front-man came back to prepare for the ongoing season and featured in some league and European games but unsurprisingly looked rusty and off the pace.
Now having returned to full fitness, Griffiths’ comeback will come as a big boost for Celtic ahead of another hugely important fixture this season. Lennon has had to rely on Edouard up front following a knee injury to Vakoun Issouf Bayo last week.
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Bayo is expected to go under the knife to treat his knee problem, potentially keeping him out for six weeks. And an injury to Edouard at this stage of the season could leave Celtic in crisis.
This is why the return of Griffiths would be welcome news for everyone associated with the club, but it remains to be seen now whether the Scotland international will be able to get back to his best after a stop-start year of football.
Verdict
Nevertheless, Griffiths would give Lennon a chance to rest Edouard, who has played continuously for the Hoops this season. Griffiths has scored over 100 goals for Celtic and will be hoping to build on that figure when he returns to first-team action.