Celtic are back in action as Hearts arrive in Glasgow this afternoon.
The Hoops had 12 players on international duty who certainly kept their fitness levels up while others stayed home to work on their own.
Brendan Rodgers provided an injury update on five players this week as he met the media for his weekly press conference and it was relatively positive from the manager.
Of course that doesn’t mean every one of the returning stars will feature against the Jambos today at Celtic Park, but it’s definitely better to have them available than sitting on the sidelines.
Callum McGregor was a major miss vs Rangers a fortnight ago but he will start at home to Neil Critchley’s side this afternoon.
- Celtic starting XI: SINISALO, JOHNSTON, CCV, NAWROCKI, SCHLUPP, MCGREGOR, ENGELS, HATATE, JOTA, KUHH, MAEDA.
Celtic starting XI vs Hearts confirmed
Auston Trusty was another who was forced to sit out of the Glasgow derby with Maik Nawrocki deputising for the American as Liam Scales, too, was missing.
Trusty is on the bench against the Gorgie outfit while Nawrocki plays from the get-go.
Adam Idah scored for Ireland against Bulgaria during the break and hoped to have pushed his way back into Rodgers’ starting XI with a strong international performance.
And with Daizen Maeda’s incredible run of form, the frontman is sitting on the sidelines as Maeda plays through the middle.
Celtic fans react to team news vs Hearts
Fans have now had their say on Celtic’s starting XI for the game this afternoon with Nawrocki earning the plaudits and excitement.
One commented: “Nawrocki redemption arc,” as another added: “Nawrocki comeback story.”
“Nawrocki lives on, don’t scratch your eyes,” said another as one wrote: “My goat Nawrocki.”
Others were happy to see Paulo Bernardo and James Forrest back in the matchday squad while some were interested to watch Viljami Sinisalo in action.
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