Leigh Griffiths is set to embark on a gradual return to training. The Celtic striker has been away from Lennoxtown since the beginning of December after he was given leave from the club to seek help for personal problems.
It is understood that the Scotland internationalist was at Celtic Park this morning to speak to staff within the club and he will work to a tailored programme as he looks to phase himself back into training.
Griffiths will not make an immediate return to first-team training but rather will work closely with Celtic's medical staff and sports scientists as he looks to ease himself back into action.
Interim manager Neil Lennon spoke a few weeks back of his optimism that Griffiths would be available to play for the club before the end of the season.
Whether that remains a plausible target remains to be seen and it is unlikely that the 27-year-old will be rushed back.
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Lennon said: “We are really pleased that Leigh will be looking to get things going again at Lennoxtown and be making a phased return to training. In no way will we put any timescale on a possible return to the first-team. Instead, we will make sure we work with him on the best, most productive way forward.
“He will really be focusing on his own programme at the moment and then we will see what progress we make from there. We will not rush him in any way and we will allow him, of course, to take things slowly and at the pace he is comfortable with.
“As the club has been doing throughout the last period, we’ll continue to give Leigh every support to make sure that his health and well-being are our number one priority. We’ll work with him to ensure he has everything he needs to give him the chance to get back to where he was, but understanding totally that he will need time and space.
“It will be great to see him back, even at this very early stage, and we’ll make sure we give him our total support."
Griffiths, who has netted six goals this season, himself told the club website: “I'd like to thank everyone for showing me such support across the past few months. I am so grateful to the club for everything they have given me and the way in which they have supported me so strongly.
“The Celtic supporters, too, have been a huge source of inspiration and strength for me and I want to thank them all sincerely for staying with me. I know it will be a long road back but I am ready to do all I can to get there."
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