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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Robbie Copeland

Kristoffer Ajer Celtic injury update as Lars Lagerback 'hopeful' over quickfire return

Norway manager Lars Lagerback hopes to have Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer available for before the end of the international break, but is not sure how serious the injury is.

Ajer missed the Scottish Cup semi-final with Aberdeen due to a groin issue last week, but was named in the starting XI to face Motherwell at the weekend.

His return was cut short however, as he was forced to limp off the pitch with 12 minutes remaining.

Despite Neil Lennon urging caution over the 22-year-old, he was named by Lagerback in his 25-man squad to face Israel, Romania and Austria later this month.

And Norwegian outlet VG say the boss is 'not giving up hope' of Ajer featuring at some stage before the break is over.

"We do not know for sure. We have only had audio contact so far," Lagerback said. 

"We do not know how serious it is. He is not completely negative himself, but could not play a game today at least."

As things stand, Ajer is being constantly monitored by Norway staff in Oslo, but he is expected to miss Wednesday's visit of Israel.

Sunday's visit to Romania may see him return to the fold, but Lennon will be hoping his involvement is kept to a minimum, with a double-header with Hibs and Sparta Prague looming straight after the break. 

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