RYAN Christie will miss the rest of this season meaning he won't be available to play for Celtic in the Scottish Cup final with Hearts.

The midfielder suffered multiple facial fractures following a challenge by Aberdeen defender Dominic Ball during last Sunday's semi-final which resulted in a sicking clash of heads.

Christie was operated on today (Thursday) but it was always going to be unlikely that his injuries would recover in time for the May 25 final, a game which could see a treble Treble being won.

“Ryan has multiple fractures of the eye socket, jaw and cheekbone,” Celtic manager Neil Lennon confirmed to the club's television channel.

Glasgow Times:

READ MORE: Jonny Hayes relieved to be making cup final a family affair after pressure from Celtic-daft son

"So the prognosis isn’t good for the rest of the season really. He’s had a great season, he’s a huge player for us and it was a really horrendous collision.

“With it being multiple fractures, it’s going to take a bit more time.

"We just have to look after him as best as we can and get him back for the start of next season, and we wish him a speedy recovery.”