Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers says Ryan Christie is likely to return to the fold quicker than expected.
The midfielder was stretchered off during Thursday's Europa League defeat against Salzburg and it was initially feared he could face an extended spell on the sidelines.
However, Christie's issue is not as serious as first thought, so much so that he has been able to do some light running.
The 23-year-old excelled on loan last season at Aberdeen and has continued his form upon his return to Parkhead, establishing himself as a key part of Rodgers' midfield.
Next up for the Hoops is Wednesday's visit of Motherwell, a game they are 2/11 to win, with the draw 11/2 and the Steelmen 14/1.
Although he is pushing himself hard, the boss says the game is expected to come too early for the Scotland international, with Saturday's visit of Dundee more likely for a return.
"Ryan has been out running on the field running, so that's good news," Rodgers said. "He won't be available for tomorrow, but we'll see where he is towards the weekend. Against Salzburg, the medical team just wanted to stabilise the ankle because they were unsure how serious it was and he was in pain, with contact on the floor.
"We had the X-ray straight after the game that evening, had the scan and it showed that it wasn't quite as bad as first feared when he was taken off. And he's pushing himself to get back playing. We'll see where he's at over the course of the week."
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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers says Ryan Christie is likely to return to the fold quicker than expected.
The midfielder was stretchered off during Thursday's Europa League defeat against Salzburg and it was initially feared he could face an extended spell on the sidelines.
However, Christie's issue is not as serious as first thought, so much so that he has been able to do some light running.
The 23-year-old excelled on loan last season at Aberdeen and has continued his form upon his return to Parkhead, establishing himself as a key part of Rodgers' midfield.
Next up for the Hoops is Wednesday's visit of Motherwell, a game they are 2/11 to win, with the draw 11/2 and the Steelmen 14/1.
Although he is pushing himself hard, the boss says the game is expected to come too early for the Scotland international, with Saturday's visit of Dundee more likely for a return.
"Ryan has been out running on the field running, so that's good news," Rodgers said. "He won't be available for tomorrow, but we'll see where he is towards the weekend. Against Salzburg, the medical team just wanted to stabilise the ankle because they were unsure how serious it was and he was in pain, with contact on the floor.
"We had the X-ray straight after the game that evening, had the scan and it showed that it wasn't quite as bad as first feared when he was taken off. And he's pushing himself to get back playing. We'll see where he's at over the course of the week."
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Source: bet365.com