Celtic defender Maik Nawrocki's hopes of a successful loan spell in Germany have been dealt another blow. The Polish centre-back, currently on loan at 2. Bundesliga side Hannover 96, was forced off with an injury during their recent 2-0 win over Darmstadt.

This marks a frustrating recurrence of the fitness issues that have plagued his career. It is his fourth separate spell on the sidelines this season alone, interrupting what had been a promising period where he even endeared himself to Hannover fans by scoring a decisive derby winner against Eintracht Braunschweig.

Nawrocki's injury history is a significant concern. During his time at Celtic, similar problems limited his opportunities under manager Brendan Rodgers. This latest setback comes just after he had spoken positively about life back in Germany, closer to his family in Poland, and hinted at a potential permanent move.

Hannover holds a reported £2 million option to buy the defender, but his persistent fitness record may now complicate that decision. For Celtic, who paid a higher fee to sign him from Legia Warsaw in 2023, it represents another chapter in a stop-start period for the player, whose future remains uncertain as he faces another rehabilitation process.