Neil Lennon issues update on Christopher Jullien and James Forrest injuries

Neil Lennon has confirmed that Christopher Jullien's knee injury is far greater than first feared, and doesn't expect the defender back in contention for 'six to nine months.' Fellow long-term absentee James Forrest, though, could be back in training as soon as next week.

Jullien went down after clearing the ball off the line against Dundee United in late December, and there was serious concern on the touchline as he required a stretcher to leave the pitch.

He hasn't been seen since, with the initial prognosis that he would be out for three or four months. Speaking to reporters ahead of Celtic's trip to Ross County, though, Lennon confirmed that he has suffered a serious setback in his recovery and will be out for far longer than planned.

He said: "He's out for a long period of time. Maybe six to nine months and he's gone back to do some rehab in France."

Jullien's absence was immediately felt by Celtic, whose title challenge collapsed in the weeks that followed. While they brushed aside Dundee United 3-0 in the Frenchman's final game, they lost to Rangers three days later, and dropped points in each of their next three matches to allow their rivals to build up an unassailable lead.

Their form has picked up recently, though, with Wednesday's win over Aberdeen their fifth on the spin, moving them within 15 points of Steven Gerrard's team.

And they could soon be boosted further, as the influential James Forrest nears a return.

Forrest picked up a serious ankle injury back in September, but Lennon confirmed that the winger - who has scored or assisted almost 200 goals for Celtic - could be back in training next week.

In a major boost for Steve Clarke's Scotland, Lennon said: "He'll be fit enough when the Euros come around, and hopefully he'll have enough games to put himself in people's thinking.

"In terms of the timescale, he's had a wee bit of a setback in his rehab so we'll keep an eye on that and scrutinise it as closely as we can.

"We want him to come back fresh and hit the ground running because he's been out for a long time, and it's been a real body blow for him and for us.

"I can't give you a timescale on it, but it shouldn't be too far in the near future.

"We're hoping he might begin training next week, and if that's the case he might need a week or two to get adjusted in training sharpness, the cardiovascular work that's involved with that, and then you might see him in squads again."