Celtic is bracing for a challenging Boxing Day fixture against Motherwell as manager Brendan Rodgers confirms yet another injury blow. The Hoops, coming off a lackluster 0-0 draw against Dundee United, are keen to bounce back and maintain their lead in the Scottish Premiership title race. However, the absence of key players, including the dynamic Nicolas Kuhn, casts a shadow over their festive fixtures.
The draw against Dundee United marked a rare off-day for Celtic, with their inability to break through a resilient defense allowing Rangers to close the gap to nine points in the title race. Boxing Day, a cherished date in British football, presents an opportunity for the Hoops to regain momentum at Parkhead. Yet, their opponents, Motherwell, sit fourth in the table and are in fine form, securing seven points from their last three matches. This sets the stage for a potentially tough encounter for the defending champions.
Manager Brendan Rodgers revealed that Kuhn, who has been instrumental this season with 11 goal contributions in just 13 appearances, is a major doubt for the upcoming match. Speaking about the injury, Rodgers said, “He felt a problem with his knee and later experienced a twinge. We’re hoping it’s not long-term, but we’ll know more soon.” Kuhn’s absence would add to Celtic’s injury woes, with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Alistair Johnston also sidelined.
Kuhn’s versatility and attacking prowess have made him a standout player for Celtic this season. With five goals and six assists, the 24-year-old winger has been pivotal in breaking down defenses. His ability to cut inside from the right and unleash his lethal left foot has been a key weapon in Celtic’s attacking arsenal. The lack of his creativity was evident in the stalemate against Dundee United, raising concerns about the team’s ability to perform without him in the coming fixtures.
As Celtic prepares for a busy festive period, including the much-anticipated New Year clash against Rangers at Ibrox, Rodgers will need to rely on the depth of his squad to navigate these challenges. While the Hoops remain favorites for the title, injuries to key players could make the road to glory more treacherous. For now, all eyes are on Boxing Day as Celtic looks to reignite their winning form and keep their rivals at bay.