Ange Postecoglou confirms Celtic man Greg Taylor requires surgery

By Euan Davidson

September 15, 2021

Celtic left-back Greg Taylor will require surgery on his shoulder, having seen a specialist about the injury.

Taylor was injured against AZ Alkmaar, with a shoulder knock ruling him out of the Derby against Rangers. He returned to play Ross County last weekend, but aggravated the injury.

The Scotland left-back was reportedly seeing a specialist yesterday. Now, according to Ange Postecoglou, Taylor requires surgery and time out.

The Celtic boss said today [Sun]:

“Greg [Taylor] looks like he will probably need surgery on his shoulder.

“We would expect him to be out for a medium term sort of time frame. So he will be out for a while.”

Taylor has been one of Postecoglou’s first picks this season. Amidst speculation of Celtic bringing in Aaron Hickey and/or Josh Doig, Taylor has remained.

Frozen-out Belgian defender Boli Bolingoli could return to the squad in Taylor’s absence. In the first-team, though, Adam Montgomery seems primed to replace Taylor.

Alternatively, Postecoglou knows Josip Juranovic can deputise on the left.

Losing Greg Taylor is a blow, but also an opportunity for Celtic and Ange Postecoglou

Given Adam Montgomery’s impressive performances of late, there will be plenty excited by the chance of seeing the Academy graduate play more regularly. That represents something of a silver lining here.

However, losing a player who’s been a sturdy, calming presence is never ideal. Taylor has been an ever-present, barring the trip to Ibrox, and hasn’t let Celtic down so far this season [WhoScored?].

Taylor adds to a growing list of injury problems for Ange Postecoglou, though.

Callum McGregor picked up a knock against Ross County, while Christopher Jullien, Kyogo Furuhashi and James Forrest remain out of contention.

It could well be time for Postecoglou to try some inexperienced players on the big stage.

At least at left-back, with a solid bedrock of very decent performances, few will be nervous about Adam Montgomery stepping up.

In other news: Spanish media expect Celtic fans to attend Betis match despite ticket refusal