Christopher Jullien missed more than two months of football this season after an ongoing back issue needed addressing. Shortly after playing all 90 minutes of Celtic’s 5-0 win away to Ross County on September 9, he realised an issue with his back could no longer be ignored and fixing the issue kept him out of action until November 26 when he made his return last week in the Czech Republic against Sparta Prague.

For all the experience the 27-year-old has, Jullien had never before been sidelined for as long as he has with the injury. That learning curve was a difficult process for him to go through but it has only made him enjoy football more now that he is back playing.

“I’m happy to be back because it was a long time out,” said Jullien in an exclusive interview with the Celtic View. “I’m just appreciating being back out on the pitch and able to play football with the boys.

“I didn’t think I’d be out for as long as I was because at the beginning it was a little pain in my lower back that would go away but then it got worse and the pain was there constantly. It was difficult because I couldn’t express myself on the field. I felt like I couldn’t do anything and that’s the worse feeling. Even when I went home, holding my son was difficult.

“This is the longest injury I’ve ever had. It’s not easy to accept, you feel useless and you need to get out of your own head sometimes. I was still doing gym and physio treatment every day but I didn’t feel the same sense of satisfaction when I went home. I have a gym at home and that helped me stay positive and my family are always there which helps.

Chris Jullien: We have the talent to turn it around