Celtic vs Hibernian preview: Scottish Premiership leaders 'stretched' by injury issues

Celtic will have a number of absentees when they host Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday.

Defender Kristoffer Ajer will miss the game after he was sent off in Celtic's 2-0 victory over St Johnstone on Sunday.

James Forrest, Tony Ralston, Kieran Tierney, Filip Benkovic, Tom Rogic, Eboue Kouassi, Daniel Arzani and Leigh Griffiths are out for various reasons while Mikael Lustig and Odsonne Edouard are doubts.

Celtic assistant manager Chris Davies admits his side are "stretched", but thinks they can cope.

"We can put out a team that's going to be a good team of quality players, and we'll be able to cope, no problem.

"It's as stretched as it's been. We've got a good team of injuries and suspensions - 4-4-2, we could fit them all in. But a few of those players are coming back in. Kieran is building up his rehab steadily, and there are a few others who are getting close.

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"It's rare to have so many injuries, but that's part of football and we do have a strength in depth in this squad. It's very important to have that, and at Celtic we do have that."

Celtic are six points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership but lost 2-0 to Hibernian in their most recent meeting in December.

Hibernian have only won one league match since that result and have also parted ways with manager Neil Lennon.

Coaches Eddie May and Grant Murray will be in charge as the club look for a successor to Lennon.

Opta stats

• Celtic have lost two of their last three league matches against Hibernian (W1), as many as their previous 21 such meetings combined - however, these two defeats were both away from home.
• Hibs are winless in their last 10 Scottish Premiership visits to Celtic Park (D3 L7) since a 2-1 victory in January 2010.
• Celtic have won four consecutive league games without conceding a single goal - they last went on a longer winning run in the Scottish Premiership without conceding in November 2016 (six consecutive victories, no goals against).
• Hibernian have won just one of their last seven league games (W1 D3 L3), a 3-1 victory against St Mirren in January.
• Eight of the last nine goals Celtic have scored in the Scottish Premiership have come in the second half of games, including each of the last six.

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