---
title: "Celtic: Ryan Christie given the all-clear to play against AC Milan"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-ryan-christie-given-the-all-clear-to-play-against-ac-milan/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Seychell"
section: "Celtic News"
published: "2020-10-22T13:30:04Z"
modified: "2020-10-22T13:30:04Z"
---

# Celtic: Ryan Christie given the all-clear to play against AC Milan

**[Celtic](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/scottish-premier/celtic/) are facing a tough [opening fixture](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54633838) in the Europa League group stage as they square off against AC Milan. Their Old Firm [loss](https://www.sofascore.com/celtic-rangers/bXscX) on the weekend puts a lot of pressure on this match, but the Bhoys have been given a huge boost as Ryan Christie is available to feature tonight.**

### Christie returns to the Hoops squad

The Scottish midfielder was [unavailable](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/6168225/celtic-ryan-christie-rangers-scottish-government/) as he was deemed a close-contact to fellow Scotsman Stuart Armstrong, who tested positive for COVID-19 on international duty. However he is now free to play for the Hoops again.

Lennon spoke on Christie’s availability and [said:](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54528918) “We are assessing whether he will be fit to start.”

### How big a boost is this for Celtic?

The 25-year-old has played 107 times for the Hoops, per [Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ryan-christie/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/188077/plus/0?saison=2020&verein=&liga=&wettbewerb=&pos=&trainer_id=), scoring 35 goals and setting up another 33. The attacking midfielder has also won [six trophies](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ryan-christie/erfolge/spieler/188077) with the club, serving them with distinction since his arrival in 2015.

His form at the start of the 2020/21 campaign highlights why Celtic will want to keep him, as he already has seven assists and three goals in his 13 appearances this term, per [Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ryan-christie/leistungsdaten/spieler/188077). These figures highlight that Neil Lennon has a vital player returning to his squad who provides both goals and creativity.

This will be much-needed against an AC Milan side who are full of confidence as they sit [top of Serie A](https://www.skysports.com/serie-a-table) with four wins in four games.

The player has been hailed in the past as a ‘[magician’](https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/11/20/guys-a-magician-celtics-ryan-christie-praised-on-twitter/) by Scottish fans, and also seen as [‘Celtic’s most-valuable asset’](https://thecelticstar.com/bbc-pundits-calls-ryan-christie-celtics-most-valuable-asset/) by BBC pundit Tam McManus.

The return of Christie is a huge boost for the club, especially with star striker Odsonne Edouard still [unavailable](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54528918). He will add some much-needed attacking quality on the pitch. It will also lift the morale of the squad, who struggled without him in their loss to Rangers.

***Celtic fans, Ryan Christie receives a lot of praise from a former Scotland manager [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-transfer-rumours/alex-mcleish-praises-ryan-christie-nice-transfer-interest/)! Don’t forget to comment your thoughts down below!***