Celtic v Real Madrid – Elena Sadiku clears up Caitlin Hayes controversy | OneFootball

Elena Sadiku yesterday denied rumours that there was an underlying reason for Celtic FC Women defender Caitlin Hayes being left out of back-to-back match-day squads, insisting that the Republic of Ireland defender was simply being rested…

Caitlin Hayes in action. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

The Celtic head coach spoke to the media after her side’s 4-0 victory over Queen’s Park, assuring everyone that there was nothing wrong. However, you can’t blame the fans for starting to suspect something may have been up when she was left out of an important tie in the Sky Sports Cup quarter-final against Glasgow City, which the Celts ended up winning on penalties.

With Hayes not present in the stands at either of the two games she failed to make the squad for, rumours started to make the rounds, with a few suspecting that she may have been informally or formally suspended by the club.

At yesterday’s media conference,  ahead of the UEFA Women’s Champions League tie against Chelsea, Sadiku said: “My answer has always been that she has been resting, and that’s the same answer I’m going to give [today]because she has not been suspended.

Caitlin Hayes brings out the SWPL1 trophy. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

“I think you can trust me when I say she has not been suspended. She’s been resting. If there’s a reason she’s been resting, then there’s a reason, but that’s something that I don’t want to talk about. But she’s been resting and she’s been training so there’s no issues about that.

“She’s been back in training. Everything is fine. She’s been resting and now she’s back. There’s nothing else to talk about.”

And as Elena Sadiku hinted at, Caitlin Hayes was spotted back in training today.

Elena Sadiku with Caitlin Hayes. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

Great news, as you can imagine, for all of the Celtic support, as we all know how important the defender is to the squad. Although we managed to win our games when she was unfortunately left out, she was the missing puzzle piece that could’ve made it a hell of a lot easier.

I’m confident for the Chelsea game, especially with Hayes in the back line, so if Sadiku chooses to start her, maybe we could be in with a chance with a fully fit Caitlin Hayes!

Match preview to follow.

COYGIG

Jessica Elliott

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