Brendan Rodgers further discussed the Liel Abada situation with the Israeli winger missing from Today’s starting 11.
Abada was also missing from the squad in last weekend’s 2-0 win over St Mirren.
The Israeli international now looks likely to leave the club in the coming months, after a complicated situation for the player and Celtic has arisen over the last few months.
Rodgers said (BBC Scotland): “It is clear there is an issue for him mentally in terms of being right to play and being at his very best and it is no fault of his or fault of ours,” he tells BBC Scotland.
Asked if it was down to some Celtic fans giving verbal and visual support for Palestine, Rodgers replies: “No – and I wouldn’t tell you anyway.
“He is not playing because of conversations we’ve had. I don’t need to tell you, I don’t want to tell you, but you see he is not on the team sheet and he’s not in the squad.
“We always have that hope, but first and foremost he as a person is more important than the football.”
Rodgers’ quotes reflect a thoughtful and empathetic approach to managing player well-being, highlighting the importance of prioritising mental health support within professional football.
Rodgers’ refusal to disclose specific details about Abada’s situation demonstrates a commitment to respecting the player’s privacy.
