Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, pundit Steve Howey delivered his verdict on the huge injury blow suffered to Celtic defender Christopher Jullien.
The centre-back was stretchered off against Dundee with significant swelling to his knee and scans have now revealed that he will face around four months out with a serious issue.
It’s a huge blow to Celtic’s hopes of retaining the SPFL title. They were already 19 points behind their rivals Rangers coming into this weekend’s fixtures and it looks like an uphill task.
Jullien has already suffered from a spell on the sidelines this season so his campaign has now got even worse. For a Hoops backline who have conceded on such a regular basis, it’s not great news for the team either.
They shipped 19 goals in just six Europa League outings and their defensive woes were bad enough before losing one of their key men.
Speaking to Football FanCast, Howey delivered a damning verdict on Jullien’s injury. He said:
"It's obviously a big disappointment and I think it's a huge disappointment, and you just hope the lad gets back fit and well and stronger and better."
Howey then opened up on the title race: "Listen, let's be honest, it would have been a miraculous recovery if they did get anywhere near clawing that back. I think it's done. I still think there's 40 something points to play for so it's still within the realms of possibility, but it's a tall order.
“I mean, Rangers have to go on an absolutely horrendous run and have so many injuries and Celtic have to do exactly the opposite. But as I said, I think after that game at the weekend, and Rangers winning and bearing in mind, winning and not playing very well. Albeit, the lad did get sent off but I think that was the last chance."
Celtic’s six-game winning run in all competitions before the New Year helped boost their confidence significantly but after suffering a loss to Rangers, any slight hope of beating Steven Gerrard’s men to the title are all but gone.
The Hoops have been rumoured with signing a new centre-back this month and that has only taken on greater importance with Jullien’s injury.