Brendan Rodgers admits Liel Abada could leave Celtic on loan

The 22-year-old Israel international finds himself in a difficult position amid the ongoing conflict between his homeland and Palestine.

Large numbers of Celtic supporters have regularly shown their support for Palestine, with the country's flags flown at Parkhead during matches amid Israel's ongoing military assault in Gaza.

The Green Brigade ultras group have also encouraged other Celtic fans to join them in song before Saturday's Scottish Premiership match at home against Kilmarnock in support of Palestinians.

Abada has been left out of Celtic's matchday squad for their last two games against Hibernian and St Mirren and he is expected to miss this weekend's visit of Kilmarnock.

Discussing Abada's situation at a press conference on Friday, Rodgers said: «It's still the same situation. I have had lots of conversations with Liel and I am really empathetic towards the issue he has. It's more than football. It's at a human level, so I have to respect that.

»He is training, he is working away, but this period is all about the mind and, if you're not quite right or ready, firstly I can't take any risk with him, because we will always support the player and obviously I also have to protect the squad as well."

Asked if a loan move away from Celtic could be an option for Abada, Rodgers said: «It's a possibility, but we'll see. We will work together on it.»

Rodgers has revealed that he had dinner with Abada to discuss his situation following the attacks by Hamas on Israel in October.

The winger has only made 11 first-team appearances for Celtic in all competitions this season and has