Celtic boss says Ireland international Caitlin Hayes rested, not suspended
Against Stephen Hayes Euro During Photo Mccarthy/sportsfile The Play 2025 Ireland's Caitlin Georgia By Off
Celtic manager Elena Sadiku insists Ireland international Caitlin Hayes has been rested for the last two games and is not suspended by the club. Hayes is available, and in the squad, for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Chelsea.
The defender last played in the 4-0 victory over Motherwell on November 3rd. She did not feature in the subsequent games against Queen's Park or Glasgow City and there had been rumours of a rift between the manager and player.
"I think my answer has always been that she has been resting and that is the same answer that I am going to give you because she has not been suspended," Sadiku told the Daily Record.
"I think you can trust me when I say she has not been suspended. She has been rested.”
Sadiku was also asked if there was a reason for the 29-year-old being rested.
“I mean, like, if that is a reason she is being rested then there is a reason but that is something I don’t want to talk about," she said.
"But she has been resting. She is back and she has been training so there is no issues with that.
“She has been back in training, everything is fine. She has been resting. Yes [she is in the squad]. She has been resting and now she is back. There is nothing else to talk about.”
Hayes, who was born in Warrington, joined Celtic from English Championship side Lewes in 2020.