Hibs’ Head Coach Neil Lennon has revealed that Israeli international keeper Ofir Marciano will have an operation on Monday which is likely to sideline him for up to three weeks.
The news is a major blow to Lennon, coming on the back of injuries to several key members of his squad.
Speaking to Hibs TV, he said: “ Ofir (Marciano) is due in for surgery and that’s a huge blow for us and he is going to be out for two or three weeks. he is due in for surgery on Monday so we are very much hampered by long term injuries all of a sudden.
“It’s really testing the strength in depth that we have but we will negotiate that loss.
“We are hoping that James Keatings will be back on the grass next week but the likes of Alex Harris, Danny Handling, Fraser Fyvie, John McGinn and Ofir Marciano will be out 2-4 weeks each.”
Lennon also revealed that he is looking for his players to have a positive reaction following last Friday’s defeat at Tannadice and for them to replicate the performance against Queen of the South in November when they face Dumbarton this weekend.
The ‘Sons of course will be looking to bounce back after their shock Scottish Cup defeat to Bonnyrigg Rose earlier this week.
Lennon continued: “I didn’t think there was a lot wrong with the performance last Friday. Second half I thought we were the dominant team.
“The game hinged on two pivatol moments both of which didn’t go our way and unfortunately we lost the game but we are playing well so it’s important to get back to winning ways as soon as possible.
“The loss of McGinn and Fyvie at that time was crucial on how we played in the game and a couple of the lads hadn’t played for a while, but it will be more beneficial to them now.
“I want the players to have a positive reaction on Saturday. If we can emulate the way we played against Queen of the South a few weeks ago then I’ll be delighted.
“Dumbarton will make life as difficult as possible for us. They’re fighting for their survival in the league and that’s a dangerous opposition to play against, so we need to be at our best.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
