Celtic eye new defensive addition as Landon Emenalo issues emerge

Celtic are expected to revisit the left-back market in January as doubts continue over Landon Emenalo’s fitness and his readiness to step into senior football, according to reports.

The teenager arrived at Parkhead from Chelsea on a season-long loan, with Celtic completing the deal as they looked to add greater depth behind first-choice left-back Kieran Tierney.

However, the move was complicated by Emenalo’s injury situation. The 18-year-old is still waiting for his Celtic debut and is expected to remain unavailable for several more weeks.

That has led to uncertainty over when he will be able to contribute to Martin O’Neill’s first team.

Celtic are therefore expected to assess the possibility of bringing in another left-back when the January window opens. Liverpool youngster Luke Chambers has already been linked with a potential move, while Liam Scales is currently providing cover for Tierney.

Celtic could revisit left-back position

Emenalo has yet to play competitive senior football, although he produced encouraging numbers at Chelsea Under-21 level last season, registering three assists across 20 appearances.

His injury is particularly significant because Celtic want genuine competition for Tierney, who remains their preferred option on the left side of defence.

Tierney is also working his way back to full fitness, meaning O’Neill could soon have a selection decision to make once both players are available.

Celtic’s difficulty in securing reliable left-back cover during the summer has now left the club considering whether further recruitment will be required in the new year.

Johnstone wants Celtic starting role

The goalkeeping situation could also become an important talking point following Celtic’s late-window loan signing of Sam Johnstone from Wolves.

The experienced 33-year-old made his first appearance for the Hoops in Wednesday’s victory over St Johnstone and kept a clean sheet after previously remaining an unused substitute against Aberdeen and St Mirren.

However, reports claim Johnstone wants to establish himself as Celtic’s first-choice goalkeeper and would be unhappy with a regular rotation arrangement involving Viljami Sinisalo.

That leaves O’Neill with another major decision to make ahead of this weekend’s Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Rangers.

With the first Old Firm meeting of the season approaching, the Celtic manager must decide whether Johnstone has done enough to retain the gloves for the crucial Ibrox clash.