Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted that Israel international Liel Abada could leave the club on loan amid apparent pressure he has received from his homeland relating to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The 22-year old recently came back into to the side after a long-term injury, receiving a warm reception from Celtic fans upon his return.
However, he has been under some pressure in his homeland over the pro-Palestine stance among Celtic supporters. Huge numbers of Palestine flags have been sported among the fanbase in the stands at both home and away fixtures in recent months.
Abada missed last weekend's game against St Mirren, with it being said at the time that he was not in the right frame of mind to feature. That is set to be the case once against this weekend when Celtic face Kilmarnock.
Brendan Rodgers has now addressed the player's future at the club.
READ HERE: The Definitive Ranking Of Every League Of Ireland Home Kit For 2024
Brendan Rodgers says Israel international could leave Celtic
With the player currently unavailable for selection, Brendan Rodgers has admitted that Liel Abada could still leave Celtic on loan in the near future.
While the transfer windows in most nations are now shut, some league are still open, which would allow the player to sign elsewhere.
Speaking ahead of the game against Kilmarnock, Rodgers said that he will work with the player to find a solution that suits all parties.
It's a possibility (that he leaves on loan). But we'll see. We will work together on it...
It's still the same situation. I have had lots of conversations with Liel and I am really empathetic towards the issue he has. It's more than football. It's at a human level, so I have to respect that.
He is training, he is working away, but this period is all about the mind and if you're not quite right or ready, firstly I can't take any risk with him, because we will always support the player, and obviously I also have to protect the squad as well...
This is a young guy, 22 years of age, far, far away from home. People can talk about what's going on there and then they can forget about it. This is the reality for him, this is his life. Every single day, every night, families in a war.
So it's a really, really tough situation for him. On a human level, I have real, real empathy for him.
If the player does leave on loan, it seems likely at this stage that this would be followed up by a permanent departure from Celtic this summer.
SEE ALSO: Brighton Stars Sticks Up For Evan Ferguson Amid Ongoing Struggles
