Liel Abada could be out for up to FIVE months according to new reports in Israel – with his international boss Alon Hazan heartbroken for the Celtic winger.

Abada jetted off to represent his country during the international break but picked up a knock in training and played no part in their Euro 2024 qualifiers. He was sent back for assessment by the Parkhead medical team and what was initially believed to be a minor thigh muscle strain has transpired to be something more serious.

Now reports in his homeland say he will undergo another scan this week and he could be out for up to five months. That would see him miss the bulk of the Scottish Premiership season and the entire Champions League group stage, not returning until February or March if the worst case scenario comes to pass. Israel boss Hazan accepted he feels terrible about Abada’s setback.

He said: “The thing that bothered me most about the international week was the injury to Liel Abada. He is one of the best kids we have in the team.

“An amazing boy, who comes along and always shows his love for the team. He is very professional and an incredible kid. He is quiet, works hard and is loved by everyone.

“Liel arrived here in maybe his sharpest and best form since I have been manager and I told him that too. Then suddenly he got an injury at the end of training that seemed minor. But after that, we realised he was going to be absent for a long period of time.

“I feel so bad for the boy because he had started the season so well and he had just also signed a new contract at Celtic. I was certain he would be an important player in the national team and he would have helped us get the results we want.

“I wish him nothing but good health and a speedy recovery and hope he will return to us as soon as possible.
“We love him and are waiting for him.”