---
title: "Celtic: Ange Postecoglou addresses Nir Bitton absence"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/nir-bitton-injury-latest-postecoglou/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Daniel Clubbe"
section: "Celtic News"
published: "2022-04-25T16:35:41Z"
modified: "2022-04-25T16:35:41Z"
---

# Celtic: Ange Postecoglou addresses Nir Bitton absence

**[Celtic](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-news/) manager Ange Postecoglou has addressed the absence of Nir Bitton from the matchday squad in the Hoops’ 2-0 victory over Ross County on Sunday.**

### The lowdown: Bitton’s importance to Celtic

The 30-year-old has endured an injury-ravaged time at Parkhead, missing [99 matches](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nir-bitton/verletzungen/spieler/129788) in a nine-year stint as a Bhoy with varying degrees of problems including a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a serious knee issue.

Despite the injuries, the Israel international has still amassed [269 appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nir-bitton/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/129788) for the Hoops and has been a favourite of several managers at Parkhead over the years.

[Key latest Celtic updates!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/key-latest-celtic-updates-3/)

Following the player’s latest non-appearance, Postecoglou has explained the situation surrounding the defensive midfielder…

### The latest: ‘Slight issue’ for Bitton

Speaking to [BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/celtic), as quoted by the [Daily Record](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/nir-bitton-celtic-absence-explained-26788960), the 56-year-old has revealed the latest on the Israelim saying: “He’s got a bit of an issue. A slight issue.”

Bitton has not been seen in action since a fleeting [28-minute appearance](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/rangers-fc_celtic-fc/index/spielbericht/3603242) in the 2-1 win over Rangers at Ibrox on April 3, having been an unused substitute in the subsequent 7-0 rout of St Johnstone.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”389441″\]

### The verdict: Worrying signs

Although Postecoglou seems undeterred by Bitton’s latest issue, unfortunately the problems keep mounting up for the [39-cap](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nir-bitton/nationalmannschaft/spieler/129788/verein_id/5547) ace.

So far this season, the man who has been described as [‘fantastic’](https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/sport/19883900.ange-postecoglou-praises-celtic-leader-nir-bitton-midfielder-fills-gap-left-callum-mcgregor/) by the Celtic manager has [scored twice and provided two assists](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nir-bitton/leistungsdaten/spieler/129788) in 36 appearances across all competitions.

\[freshpress-poll id=”387226″\]

With Bitton out of contract in 2023 ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nir-bitton/profil/spieler/129788)), the upcoming summer is a pivotal one for him, as the experienced midfielder will likely be hoping to receive a new deal, whilst the club could be considering selling him in order to avoid losing their man for nothing.

To that end, the Israeli will be desperate to play a part in this season’s run-in to try and secure a new contract.

***In other news, one expert has made a key claim regarding the ownership of Celtic. Read more [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-news/celtic-kieran-maguire-praises-dermot-desmonds-ownership-2/).***