Celtic star emerges as injury concern after withdrawing from international duty

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan revealed that the 24-year-old winger has been unable to join up with the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and South Sudan as he is undergoing “intensive treatment” on an unspecified issue.

Hassan has made nine appearances for Celtic since joining from Real Oviedo in the summer, although he only featured as a 71st minute substitute in Sunday’s 1-0 home defeat by Rangers.

Hossam Hassan said ahead of Egypt’s match against Angola: “Haissem Hassan is receiving intensive treatment just now. But I am not worried about his absence because we have a lot of excellent players to replace him.

“Haissem is a vital technical asset for our long-term vision, but his recent injury made it impossible for him to join us for this camp. We prioritise player health and full physical recovery above all else and we expect him back once he is 100 per cent fit.”

Hassan is the second key Celtic player unable to feature for their national team in the current window after left-back Kieran Tierney, who went off against Gers on Sunday, withdrew from the Scotland squad earlier this week.

The Hoops, who were already without influential pair Jota and Alistair Johnston, return to action with a William Hill Premiership trip to Motherwell on October 11 before a formidable trip to Benfica in the Europa League and then a rematch of Celtic Park with last season’s runners-up Hearts.

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