Celtic boss addresses whether Josip Juranovic is likely to play again this season

By David Walton

May 10, 2022

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has stated that Josip Juranovic has “half a chance” of making a return for trophy day on Sunday.

The Hoops will secure the Premiership title officially tomorrow night if they get a point against Dundee United at Tannadice. Juranovic, meanwhile, has been sidelined since coming off injured in the 2-1 Scottish Cup semi-final loss to Rangers last month.

That’s led to Anthony Ralston coming in for league games against Ross County, Rangers, and Hearts respectively. Anthony will almost certainly take his spot at right-back once again tomorrow as we look to bring the championship back to Parkhead.

But Ange has left the door open regarding a potential return for Juranovic this Sunday when Motherwell come to Glasgow.

Speaking via Celtic TV, the manager said: “Everyone’s okay after the weekend so we don’t expect any sort of change from the ones available.

“Josip Juranovic is still not fit for tomorrow. He’s half a chance for the weekend – we’ll see. He’s in rehab. But everyone else is okay.”

Josip Juranovic deserves Celtic trophy day appearance if injury allows

Regardless of what happens between now and Sunday, Celtic will win the league. The heavy goal difference advantage we hold over Rangers pretty much confirms that. We could lose to United and Motherwell and still easily be clear of our foes.

As for Juranovic, nobody would deserve an appearance on trophy day more than the Croatian defender. He’s put in a power of work this season and to have the celebration day taken from him would be more than cruel.

Granted, Ange won’t be rushing him back if he doesn’t feel he’s fit to play. The last thing he wants will be to aggravate the blow and keep him out for a longer period of time.

Hopefully, however, Josip is available at the very least for a cameo. Players have always enjoyed taking part on trophy day and playing in front of a bouncing Celtic Park atmosphere. There’s something unique about these occasions. Something that you can’t really describe compared to other packed Parkhead fixtures.

At the very least, we can take comfort from the fact that Josip’s injury doesn’t appear to be a long-term one. It won’t affect his pre-season preparations and he’ll be good to go when we return.

But even so, he deserves a trophy day appearance of some kind. Fingers crossed he manages to make it.

In other news, Report: Celtic legend Scott Brown in talks for 2 different managerial roles this week