Callum McGregor not in Celtic squad to face Motherwell

Celtic fans have taken to social media to express their concerns that Callum McGregor isn’t in the squad.

The Hoops announced today’s matchday squad to face Motherwell this afternoon. Both Scott Brown and McGregor are sitting out today’s match.

Callum McGregor won’t take part this afternoon (Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Instead, Brendan Rodgers has given Ewan Henderson and Nir Bitton a shot to team up in the midfield. It’s come totally out of the blue after a terrific performance against Valencia on Thursday night.

Celtic fans, however, have taken to Twitter to express their concerns about the McGregor omission.

Going to miss calmac and Broonie in same game.
— CELTIC (@1aaeam) February 24, 2019

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https://twitter.com/jedmarr8892/status/1099666705469575171

https://twitter.com/OrrKeir/status/1099666765351714817

A simple explanation is surely likely

The omission of Brown is a simple one to explain. His sending off at Rugby Park means that he’s ineligible for this one. His absence was unavoidable. Yes, we also know we had him in our predicted XI, so we’re sorry for that!

But McGregor’s is certainly an eyebrow raiser. All you have to do, however, is take a look at what’s coming up on Wednesday night.

Celtic make a difficult trip to Tynecastle this week to face Hearts. McGregor has to be ready and fully fit for that one, and having played 53 games for club and country already this season, you can understand the logic in giving him a rest.

Ewan Henderson has been given a massive opportunity this afternoon (Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

What it does do, however, is give the likes of Ewan Henderson an opportunity to impress. The Celtic academy graduate featured in the recent 4-0 home rout of St Mirren. He even managed to set up a goal in that one and showed plenty of energy.

This is a game that’s going to certainly require pace and energy in the midfield. Motherwell boast the likes of Allan Campbell and David Turnbull in the midfield, and both are known for their tenacity in the middle of the pitch.

There’s no denying that having both Brown and McGregor in there would’ve been the perfect way to combat it. The Steelmen will likely look at the Hoops’ engine room and feel they can get at it.

But Henderson and Bitton won’t let us down this afternoon. Here’s hoping McGregor’s omission is just for a slight rest and nothing more.

Match

Callum McGregor not in Celtic squad to face Motherwell

A simple explanation is surely likely