Brendan Rodgers this afternoon took to his press-conference for Saturday’s Scottish Cup clash against Airdrieonians at Parkhead.
Several big talking points were on the agenda ahead of a big weekend, and the Celtic manager proved extremely informative.
There certainly wasn’t much batting away when it came to the injury to young Kieran Tierney, for example. The Hoops left-back was reportedly struggling to make the Europa League match with Valencia.
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But whilst that’s yet to be confirmed, Rodgers confirmed we can expect him to continue his rehabilitation over the next short while at least.
🗣️ BR on Kieran Tierney: "He's still unavailable. He's working with the medical team with this issue, but he's still injured at the moment. We'll give him a bit of time and see how he's doing."
More from the #CelticFC manager online soon.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 17, 2019
That all but rules the academy graduate out of the game this weekend, but that’s hardly surprising.
The most likely solution would be to give Emilio Izaguirre a run-out this weekend. Whilst Rodgers refused to play the Honduran against Rangers, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him return against lesser opposition.
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Join the forum now >>No Bayo for Saturday
Two of Celtic’s three January signings could be ready to make their debuts on Saturday. Oliver Burke and Timothy Weah have been training well this week, and Rodgers could decide to throw them in from the start.
Vakoun Issouf Bayo isn’t available for Saturday’s match (Bertrand Langlois/AFP/Getty Images)
One man who won’t be making a debut, however, is Vakoun Issouf Bayo. The Ivory Coast striker still hasn’t joined up with the squad in Glasgow, despite doing some work with the club in Dubai.
There’s not much to panic over, however. Rodgers confirmed that he expects him to join up during the week, with a view to having the £2million striker available for next weekend.
🗣️ BR: "Bayo is still going through his paperwork process, and will hopefully join us later in the week. It's great to have them on board, all three young talents with very big potential and it'll be great to nurture that over the next six months."
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 17, 2019
That means either Weah or Odsonne Edouard will start against Airdrieonians. This remains an interesting question on its own, but many would’ve liked to have seen Bayo have a run out.
For the former Dunajska Streda man, it’s a case of having to be patient.
Celtic not done with transfers
The majority of supporters recognise that pushing the boat out further is something that the club need to press ahead with.
Rodgers didn’t acknowledge the apparent meeting between himself and senior club directors over transfer targets, but he pretty much confirmed that he wants movement both ways.
A move for Omar Elabdellaoui looks on the cards (Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
That should hopefully confirm that the club are still pushing for Omar Elabdellaoui of Olympiakos. No formal offer has yet been placed, but Rodgers confirmed something will be done in terms of arrivals and outgoings.
🗣️ BR on transfer window: "There will be movement both ways, I would suggest, between now and the end of the window. We've got a big squad. There will be players that naturally will want to go and play. We can hopefully do more business."
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 17, 2019
It’s certainly going to be an interesting final two weeks of the transfer window. Here’s hoping the club have plenty more up their sleeves between now and the 31st.