Brendan Rodgers reminds Abada 'Celtic fans LOVE you' but that might not be enough for struggling winger

Abada may be on his way out but Rodgers was keen to remind him the Celtic fans are still behind him.

Brendan Rodgers admits troubled Celtic star Liel Abada could be heading for a Parkhead exit.

The Hoops boss revealed the Israel winger won’t be available to face Kilmarnock as he continues to struggle with the conflict raging in his homeland. Rodgers is giving the youngster his full support but can’t put a time frame on any potential return to the team. And there is a chance Abada could leave the club altogether.

Rodgers said: “It’s a possibility. But we’ll see. We will work together on it. I don’t think that far ahead. In my job, how I’ve always managed players and how I’ve worked with players, I’ve always tried to do everything I can and will continue to do everything I can to get him on the pitch for Celtic, because he’s a very, very important player.

"There may come that time later down the line where that might not be the case, but I will always have that empathy for a player and support, and if that’s just not enough, then you know…

“It’s things I’ve done before, and whoever it is I’ll be there for them, and take it from there really. It’s just about assessing each individual state and situation, and obviously through conversation with the player then of course we have to look at that. But him and I have communicated a lot, and it’s been very open and honest, so we will just assess that as we go along.

“He already did go back (to Israel) for a little period, and again, if that was something he wanted do then of course we would assess that. But I think he’s keen just to continue working and staying fit and being ready, and if there’s a change, then you can look at that.”

Rodgers admitted Abada is dealing with a lot of pressure in Scotland and from his homeland, with Israel involved in a bloody conflict with Palestine following the Hamas attack on October 7. Hoops fans have backed the player but also taken part in huge shows of support for the people in Gaza.

Rodgers and Abada have held discussions where the pair agreed the youngster would take a step back from the first team. He was allowed to travel home but has returned to Scotland an taken part in training.

But Rodgers said: “It was both of us. It wasn’t just me. I’ve had other situations where I’ve said to a player to go and look after themselves and make sure their mind is right. But with Liel it was both of us. There’s been regular communication and I’ve tried to read it as well. The attitude and mindset is so important, especially when you play for a huge club with expectations. It’s something we’ve looked at it together to try to find the best solution.”

Rodgers admitted the pressure coming from Israel has been tough for Abada with Celtic’s support of Palestine acknowledged around the world. He said: “You certainly have to acknowledge that. It definitely plays a part in it, it plays a big part.

“The perception of him playing here and playing at a team that some of the support base…for people looking in from the outside it’s different to what is actually here. You see the reception he had when he came on. The Celtic supporters love Liel and what he has done here, but this is outwith that.

“It’s still a challenge for him. He’s quite an insular boy anyway but he’s a real good kid. It’s just a shame through no fault of his or Celtic’s that this situation has arisen.”

Meanwhile Rodgers revealed Alistair Johnston could be a week away from resuming training – if he gets the green light from doctors. The full back is out with a skull fracture but may be allowed to return ahead of schedule. Greg Taylor is back to face Killie today while Cameron Carter-Vickers is expected to train next week.