Callum McGregor set to miss his third consecutive Celtic game

By Euan Davidson

September 22, 2021

Celtic captain Callum McGregor has been ruled out of tomorrow’s meeting with Raith Rovers.

The Bhoys boss Ange Postecoglou told assembled media today that the squad would remain largely the same as the weekend. That means no McGregor, who won’t be fit in time to make the Premier Sports Cup clash.

The Celtic manager said [Celtic FC]:

“No, Callum won’t be back. He’s not quite ready yet. Most will be the sort of same make-up as the weekend.”

Given his exemplary injury record, it’s actually somewhat discomforting and unusual for McGregor to be missing Celtic games. His last notable absence was in 2019, when he missed 5 games [Transfermarkt].

Something of an ironman for Celtic, he’s been an ever-present since breaking through under Ronny Deila. From the 14-15 season onward, McGregor has made a frankly ridiculous 337 Celtic appearances.

Raith Rovers come to Celtic Park having beaten Aberdeen. The Fifers will be hoping for a repeat of their famous 1994 Coca-Cola Cup win against the Hoops.

However, Celtic have played the Kirkcaldy side 14 times since then, winning 12 and drawing 2 [Fitba Stats].

He’s like me and you; Celtic captain Callum McGregor will be ruing time on the sidelines

Between his commitments for both club and country, it’s hard to argue McGregor has had a significant rest for seasons. While it’s probably a good thing he’s getting some form of respite, albeit through injury, it wouldn’t be like McGregor to be anything other than desperate to return.

One of Celtic’s key players this season, it isn’t just ascension to captaincy duties that’s made him important. Under Ange Postecoglou, he’s averaged an incredible 74.8 passes a game, finding his target nearly 91% of the time [WhoScored?].

Relied upon to set the tone and, often, to start build-up play, it’s extremely noticeable when he isn’t there.

That said, Raith Rovers probably would’ve represented a good chance for him to rest anyway. It’s another chance for James McCarthy to build his match sharpness.

Alternatively, Ismaila Soro could be given the nod to dictate the tempo from deep in midfield.

Celtic have options, for sure. However, you know that McGregor will be kicking every ball from the stands.

In other news: Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou gives encouraging Giakoumakis update