Celtic top brass are set to challenge the government’s strict Covid-19 guidelines after being told Odsonne Edouard and Ryan Christie could be forced to sit out the first Old Firm game of the season.
Christie has been ordered to self-isolate for a fortnight after being told by health officials to leave Scotland’s squad ahead of Thursday’s Euro 2020 play-off with Israel.
And, despite speculation Edouard has already been given the all-clear to return to Glasgow next week, Record Sport understands talks between the club and various health authorities were still on-going late on Wednesday after the Frenchman’s positive coronavirus test in Paris on Tuesday.
A definitive answer is expected to arrive on Thursday morning.
But while Edouard has gone into quarantine in his homeland, Celtic want to know why Christie must also be forced into lockdown despite posting a string of negative swabs since coming off the bench in Sunday’s 2-0 win at St Johnstone.
A club statement said: “Following today’s news regarding Ryan, he has reiterated his adherence to all relevant protocols while away on inter-national duty.
“In light of this, Celtic confirmed today that it aims to open dialogue with the Scottish government and other authorities to fully understand the self-isolation procedures for players who continue to deliver negative test results, as Ryan has.”
Christie added: “I am so disappointed by the events of today and the potential effects this could have on my country and club.
“As I have operated within these protocols for such a long time now, I am well aware of all the rules and social distancing from team- mates has become the norm and something I have observed.
“The situation is very frustrating, particularly as I don’t believe I have done anything wrong.”
Arsenal released a similar statement after former Celtic ace Kieran Tierney was also told to leave Steve Clarke’s squad after Stuart Armstrong’s positive test.
But Celtic are hoping for greater clarity over Edouard’s situation following the 22-year-old shock diagnosis after joining up with France’s Under-21s.
A club source told us: “We are hoping for good news where Odsonne’s return is concerned but there’s still some uncertainty despite claims he’ll be allowed to return after 10 days of quarantine.
“Unfortunately, the situation is still unclear at the moment while conversations continue.
“While we have been assured he will not have to self-isolate on his return to Scotland we are hoping for a definitive answer in the morning with regards when he will be allowed to travel back to Glasgow.”
