Celtic seek clarity over Haissem Hassan fitness after Egypt start

Celtic have been left seeking clarification over Haissem Hassan’s fitness after the winger was named in Egypt’s starting line-up, despite being ruled out by his national-team manager earlier on Friday.

Hossam Hassan had said the 24-year-old required “intensive treatment” and that his latest physical problem would prevent him from joining the Egypt squad. However, Hassan later linked up with his international team-mates and started against Angola alongside Mohamed Salah.

The Celtic forward played for about an hour as Egypt drew 0-0, raising questions over the nature and severity of the issue that had apparently forced him to withdraw only a few hours earlier.

For Celtic, the immediate focus will be on whether Hassan has recovered sufficiently to continue playing competitive international football without aggravating the problem. The club will also want him to return from international duty in good condition before their Premiership meeting with Motherwell.

Martin O’Neill will hope the winger comes through the remainder of Egypt’s fixtures without further difficulty. Hassan’s start to life in Glasgow has been unconvincing, but Celtic are hoping he can rediscover his best form and help improve the team’s fortunes.

The club’s concern comes during a difficult period, with Celtic having produced poor performances in recent weeks. Hassan’s fitness is therefore being monitored closely as the team prepares to return to domestic action.

Celtic are also keeping a close watch on Yang Hyun-jun, who has confirmed that he suffered a hamstring injury while away with the South Korea squad.

The situation involving Hassan remains particularly notable because of the contrast between the initial announcement from Egypt and his subsequent appearance from the start against Angola. While his participation suggests he was fit enough to play a competitive international match, Celtic will still be eager to establish whether the problem has fully cleared before he returns to club duty.