Camilo Duran’s start to life at Celtic has suffered a small setback after the club’s new striker missed training through illness, leaving him set to miss the friendly against Sporting.
The Colombian only recently completed his move to the Hoops and supporters have been looking forward to getting their first proper glimpse of him in action. Instead, Martin O’Neill has confirmed illness is behind his absence.
Providing an update, the Celtic manager said:
“He didn’t train today because he was ill. So we’ll see how he is.”
It is a short but reassuring update from O’Neill, suggesting there is no injury concern and that Duran’s absence is simply precautionary while he recovers.
After waiting several weeks for the deal to finally be completed, fans are understandably eager to see what the Colombian can bring to Celtic’s attack. Missing one pre-season match is disappointing, but the priority has to be ensuring he returns fully fit rather than rushing him back too soon.
With the new season now edging closer, there will still be opportunities for Duran to build his fitness, settle into Martin O’Neill’s system and develop an understanding with his new teammates.
Hopefully, this proves to be nothing more than a minor delay. There is genuine excitement surrounding Duran’s arrival, and Celtic supporters will be hoping he is back on the training pitch within days and ready to make an immediate impact once he has fully recovered.
