Celtic have no fresh injury concerns ahead of today’s fixture at home to Motherwell, with all of the club’s international contingent returning to Lennoxtown unscathed.
The Bhoys take on the Steelmen at home in the Scottish Premiership, the start of a busy schedule during the festive period at home and abroad.
It’s important that Rodgers has as deep a squad as possible to navigate the fixtures and any fresh injuries at this stage would be a big blow to preparations.
There is no immediate return for Daizen Maeda or Liel Abada on the horizon but Rodgers has confirmed Kyogo is fine after the reckless challenge from Slobodan Rubezic, while reports that Luis Palma was injured in the fixture against Mexico are inaccurate.
Brendan Rodgers on Celtic squad ahead of Motherwell
The Celtic boss said [Scottish Sun]: “There are a few more who came back on Thursday, and then Luis Palma and Ally Johnston were not back in until Friday.
“All the others have come back OK. None of the guys who were out before like Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda will be back fit yet.
“Kyogo Furuhashi is OK, he has joined in with the group. We gave him a week just to find his feet again, but he should be fine.”
Addressing Palma rumours, Rodgers continued [Daily Record]: “He played 90 minutes. I think whoever made the report, they got the wrong name! It was a different player who came off.”
Honduras’ match against Mexico went to extra-time and penalties but Palma did indeed play a full 90 minutes before being substituted.
It remains to be seen whether the Honduran plays from the start against Motherwell. The same goes for Johnston. With Lazio coming up sharply on Tuesday, the defender may well be rested having returned to Lennoxtown so late in the week.
Nonetheless, Rodgers has a strong group to choose from today and everyone is hoping it results in another three points.
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