Celtic player, Ryan Christie, who suffered multiple facial fractures during Celtic vs Aberdeen game will undergo surgery this week but was wearing a smile as he released a picture while expressing his gratitude to the fans for messages of love and support he received after the incident with a post on his Twitter account.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – APRIL 14: Ryan Christie of Celtic lies injured after a clash with Dominic Ball during the Scottish Cup semi final between Aberdeen and Celtic at Hampden Park on April 14, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The 24-year-old was knocked down by an Aberdeen’s defender following a sickening clash of heads during Sunday’s William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final. Christie had to be carried from the Hampden pitch on a stretcher wearing a neck brace.

However, Parkhead chiefs say they are not yet at a stage where they can predict when the former Inverness and Aberdeen playmaker will return as he prepares to go under the knife – placing his participation in next month’s Scottish Cup final against Hearts in serious doubt.

A statement posted on the Hoops’ website said: ‘Celtic Football Club can confirm that Ryan Christie has suffered multiple facial fractures following the incident during Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden. Ryan is scheduled to undergo surgery on Thursday of this week.

We are not able at this stage to give any specific indication on a timescale for his return to action but, of course, everyone at Celtic wishes Ryan all the best for his full recovery.”