Ronny Deila claims race row winger Aleksandar Tonev is mentally attuned for Celtic’s trip to Aberdeen tomorrow but refused to confirm he will be in the squad.
The 24-year-old Bulgarian, on loan from Aston Villa, was suspended by the Scottish Football Association for seven matches for using “offensive, insulting and abusive language of a racist nature” towards Dons defender Shay Logan when the two teams met at Parkhead in September.
Celtic appealed the decision after allowing Tonev to miss last week’s Premiership home win against Inverness and he is free to play at Pittodrie.
The Hoops manager said: “Yes, he (Tonev) seems very strong mentally so everything is fine. I speak to him all the time. But I can’t confirm that he is in the squad. I haven’t decided yet.
“We have a big squad and we will see what we are doing. I have to take the team I think is the best and everyone is available.
“We support Aleksandar as we have said all the time and there is nothing to think about any more. The case will go on but we have to concentrate on the football.”
Deila is happy to see John Guidetti available for selection again.
The Swedish forward, 22, once again missed the Europa League fixture as he was not registered in time for the competition following his loan move from Manchester City.
In-form Guidetti has scored nine goals in nine appearances this season and will be available if the Scottish champions reach the last-32 of the competition.
The Hoops will qualify if they beat already-qualified Salzburg at Celtic Park this month but meanwhile Deila is trying to take his side to the top of the Premiership.