Celtic boss Neil Lennon hopes Ryan Christie will win his race to be fit for the Scottish Cup final - but he fears he may have suffered a nasty fracture.
The Hoops booked their place in May's showpiece with an emphatic win over Aberdeen at Hampden.
The only blight on the 3-0 victory was the reckless challenge by Dominic Ball that left the flying winger unconscious on the Hampden Park turf.
Lennon absolved Ball of any serious intention to hurt Christie, and has revealed he is hopeful he will return in time to take on Hearts as Celtic chase the final piece of their treble Treble puzzle.
The moment Ryan Christie suffers sickening head knock as Celtic star rushed to hospital
Lennon said: “Unfortunately we have lost Ryan to what could be a very bad injury. He was conscious at half-time.
"We are not sure if it’s a broken eye socket or a fractured cheekbone.
“According to the medical team, we are hopeful he will be fit for the final when it comes around.
“We are looking at maybe three or four weeks out.
“Both myself and Derek heard the crack, it was a hell of a challenge. But again I apportion no blame to Dominic, there was no intent.
“I don’t think there is any real intent from Dominic to hurt Ryan but he is late in the challenge.”
Celtic return to the national stadium to face the Jambos on Saturday, May 25.
