Celtic could field reserve side v Hibs with isolation decision to be made after controversial Dubai trip

Celtic's entire first-team squad and management team may have to self-isolate for ten days.

It was revealed by the club yesterday that one first-team star has tested positive for coronavirus following the club’s controversial training camp in Dubai.

The club could now have to field a reserve side against Hibs this evening and Livingston on Saturday.

It follows the Scottish Government's announcement that a quarantine has been put in place for travellers returning from the United Arab Emirates city.

A 10 isolation period will commence for those coming back to Scotland from Dubai at 4am this morning (Monday, January 11).

In addition, travellers who have returned to Scotland from the popular holiday destination since January 3 will also have to self-isolate for ten days from the date of arrival.

It was believed Celtic, who arrived back on Friday, would be exempt due to rules on 'elite sports’.

That, however, is not certain with a decision likely to be made today ahead the Hibs clash at Parkhead this evening.

Celtic are waiting to find out their isolation decision ahead of Hibs clash. Picture: SNS

Decision likely today

A Scottish Government spokesperson told Sky News that Celtic’s trip would be worthy of the ‘elite sports’ qualification.

James Matthews from Sky reported that the club are being “spoken to by officials from Scot Govt & NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde” and ministers could make a decision at lunchtime on Monday.

Celtic came in for much criticism for deciding to go ahead with the training camp in Dubai following the defeat to Rangers despite the increased restrictions in Scotland.

It led to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon requesting the Scottish FA look into the trip.

Confirming the new rules, a government statement read: "Travellers returning from Dubai must quarantine on arrival in Scotland for 10 days from 4am on Monday (11 January). In addition, passengers who have travelled to Scotland from Dubai since 3 January are also being asked to isolate for 10 days, from the date they arrived back in the country.

"The change is due to a number of positive cases identified in passengers who have flown into Glasgow from Dubai since the new year.

"This preventative action addresses the significant rise in cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), and the increase in the number of cases testing positive in Scotland.

"Guidance remains clear that people should not be undertaking foreign travel other than in exceptional circumstances."