Celtic loses Bitton to coronavirus
Celtic midfielder Nir Bitton has tested positive for the coronavirus while on international duty with Israel, likely ruling him out of next weekend's Old Firm clash against Rangers.
Bitton is the third Celtic player to have been instructed to self-isolate since leaving to join up with their countries for the current round of internationals.
Bitton will join Ryan Christie in self-isolating for next weekend's derby clash with Rangers after the Scotland midfielder was identified as a close contact of his international and former Hoops team-mate Stuart Armstrong, who tested positive this week.
Celtic could also be without Odsonne Edouard for the Parkhead clash after the striker tested positive while on France Under-21 duty.
Bitton featured against Scotland in the UEFA Euro 2020 play-offs on Friday (AEST) despite Celtic manager Neil Lennon claiming an ankle injury would have made it impossible for him to play.
Celtic confirmed Bitton had returned a positive test on Saturday (AEST), ahead of Israel's home UEFA Nations League clash with Czech Republic, which initially travelled with only nine players after another outbreak in its camp.
The frustrated Scottish champion has vowed to hold talks with national team associations in a bid to minimise the risk of further blows.
"Clearly, recent events during this international period are very concerning and frustrating," a Celtic statement read.
"While we apportion no blame whatsoever to anyone, this is now a very difficult position for us and, clearly, for all other clubs.
"Like all other clubs, we must do all we can to protect our squad and limit the very clear and obvious risks to players.
"We will be maintaining close contact with international associations in order to ensure everything possible is being done with regards to the care and protection of our players. The priority must be the safety of our players at all times."
