CHRISTOPHER JULLIEN has been out injured since the end of December when his knee collided with the Celtic Park post.
Ever since then, the Hoops have had to do without the Frenchman and have struggled at times in the heart of defence.
The injury was so bad the player had to be operated on and has gone through extensive rehab to get him in the best shape possible for a return.
Many Hoops fans noticed the defender was included in the Europa League squad for the upcoming group stages prompting questions about when Chris is likely to return.
The manager always shoots from the hip and he wasn’t giving Celtic fans hope Chris would be in the team sooner rather than later.
If anything, the manager is tempering expectations and has told fans Chris has still a bit to go yet.
Postecoglou said: “We’ve included him in the Europa League squad but that’s more for later in the group. Christopher’s getting closer but he hasn’t trained with the group yet.” As cited by the Sunday Mail [print edition] [P67].
Chris will have to undergo a pre-season style fitness programme when he is allowed to hit the grass again on the Lennoxtown pitch. Given the severity of his injury, it’s important Celtic don’t rush him back. All going well, he could be back playing nearer the end of this year.
