Celtic have been hit with a fresh injury setback following an international setback

Celtic’s latest injury blow has come in the form of summer signing Sebastian Tounekti, who has withdrawn from international duty and returned to Parkhead to begin his recovery.

Tounekti made the switch to the Glasgow giants on Deadline Day after the Scottish champions pushed hard for the winger’s signature. The Hoops had two offers rejected by his former club Hammarby IF before they eventually accepted a £5.2 million bid.

Tounekti has started every single Scottish Premiership match for Celtic since his arrival but a new injury setback could see him miss their next clash against St Mirren.

Celtic star faces injury blow on international duty

According to media outlets in Africa, relayed via Record Sport, Tounekti has withdrawn from the Tunisian squad as Celtic are looking to give a 10-day period of rest before they reintroduce him to domestic action.

Tounekti was born in Norway but qualifies to represent Tunisia through his father. The 23-year-old has three senior caps for the North African side but his chances of adding to those this break have been dashed.

Mosaïque FM has reported that Tounekti has withdrawn from the Tunisian camp due to ‘medical reasons’, and the team will not be calling upon a replacement.

Another outlet in Al-Araby Al-Jadeed claims that Celtic wish to ‘nurse a suspected thigh injury’ suffered by their summer signing. The Hoops have reportedly asked the Tunisia national team to release Tounekti and allow him to return to Parkhead for a 10-day rest period. Celtic also want a medical certificate from Tunisia, detailing his reported injury.

Sebastian Tounekti settling into new club Celtic

Tounekti has just one Scottish Premiership goal on his tally so far but he has impressed since his debut with the Hoops.

Former manager Brendan Rodgers handed the winger his first appearance against Kilmarnock and praised his efforts in the 2-1 win away from home.

“What a brilliant debut by him,” the ex-coach said to Sky Sports after the match. “You could see in that first half, when he got the ball, he's a real danger and a real threat.

“He's fast, he's dynamic, and he can beat a player, and he's a real Celtic winger.”

A week later, Tounekti scored his first goal for Celtic and earned even more praise after the Bhoys breezed to a 4-0 win over Partick Thistle in the Premier Sports Cup. Rodgers had been looking for solid options out wide and he seemed to be impressed with the impact Tounekti was having.

“Seb has made a great impact since he’s come in. He’s got great speed, really good in the 1v1,” Rodgers told CeltsAreHere post-match.

“I’m glad for him, because that’s one area when I spoke to him before he came in, I felt we could improve, adding end product. He excites the crowd, he excites me every time he gets the ball, and that’s what we’re desperate for in the team.”