HATEM Elhamed, the Israeli right back who impressed for Celtic in the first half of the season, has suffered a setback in his comeback from injury.
Elhamed, a £1.6 million signing from Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the summer, has been sidelined since limping off with a groin strain in the Europa League win over Lazio in Rome in November.
However, the 28-year-old defender has sustained another groin injury at the Parkhead club's winter training camp in Dubai and is set to be out for several more weeks as a result.
“Elhamed still has a bit of a groin problem," said Celtic manager Neil Lennon. "It’s not long term, but it could be a few weeks.
“He sort of jolted his groin and got a reaction. It’s actually not the same injury. It’s lower down. Maybe a couple of weeks.
“He’s been brilliant for me and it’s a bit of a blow, but there’s nothing I can do about it. We have to be patient with it."
Lennon also provided injury updates on Celtic first team regulars Mohammed Elyounoussi, Mikey Johnston and Tom Rogic in the Middle East.
“Elyounoussi is out of the boot now and may train at the start of this week," he said.
“Mikey has had a scan on his thigh. He’s got a bit of a strain. It could be a week or two.
“Rogic is doing gym work, core work. He could train next week."
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