Celtic boss confident duo will overcome knocks to be fit to face Helsinki

Celtic's Kris Commons scored against Inter Milan before being forced off.SNS Group

Celtic boss Neil Lennon says he’s hopeful both Anthony Stokes and Kris Commons will be fit for their midweek Champions League qualifier with HJK Helsinki.

Both players were forced off during the 1-1 friendly draw with Inter Milan but Lennon feels the pair should be ready for Wednesday’s first leg.

He said: "They both have got badly twisted ankles so the next 24 hours are really important as to how they react.

"I think Kris would be a bigger doubt at the minute than Anthony but I will give them as long a possible to see if they can recover for the game on Wednesday.

"Anthony was a blocked challenge while Kris seemed to slip on the turf and go over on it.

"Sometimes they can be the worst ones, when there is nobody near you, all your weight can go on the supporting leg so he was quite swollen almost immediately.

"I don't think there is any lasting damage but it might be a push for him to be fit for Wednesday."

Scott Brown, Kelvin Wilson, Thomas Rogne, James Forrest and Beram Kayal all missed the match against the Italian giants.

However Lennon also played down fears they won’t be able to face the Finns.

He added: “Brown is just precautionary; he is still coming back from surgery in June so we don't want to overwork him.

"Rogne was rested. James got a bang on his foot in training, he had it X-rayed this morning so he should be okay.

"Kelvin Wilson has shin splints; you get them at this time of the year with hard grounds.

"He has been for a scan and it is some soft tissue so he should be okay for Wednesday.

"Beram Kayal has done some extra work and will train on Monday as well."

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