Celtic look primed to have recorded a near-perfect fortnight of international games with only one of their players appearing to pick up an injury.
Indeed, the Hoops had as many as 10 players away with their countries who could plausibly be in line for a role at Ibrox in Sunday’s Glasgow derby.
But only one appears to have come back with any real concerns. That being centre-back Stephen Welsh who came off for Scotland under-21s with a groin complaint. It remains to be seen how severe it is after the Celtic defender needed a hand coming off the pitch.
Callum McGregor, Greg Taylor, Carl Starfelt, Giorgos Giakoumakis, Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley, Josip Juranovic, Liel Abada, and Nir Bitton were also representing their countries. Despite varying game-time, none appear to have sustained anything to be concerned with.
And therefore it looks as though Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou is in for a major Lennoxtown boost when they all arrive.
The only real concern now is whether Tom Rogic and Daizen Maeda will be fit enough to feature after dropping out of their international squads before their respective camps.
Ange Postecoglou can look ahead with real optimism as Celtic prepare for Rangers
It’s worth mentioning that all 11 players who started the 3-0 win over Rangers back in February are all fit and available for selection. That gives us a big mental boost heading into the game for a start.
Rangers, meanwhile, also have their reported injury problems. Alfredo Morelos and Aaron Ramsey are both said to be struggling. Granted, it’s worth taking with a pinch of salt. If there’s any way for Rangers to get them playing on Sunday, that’s exactly what they’ll do.
But Celtic don’t look like needing to nurse their players upon their return. The last fortnight couldn’t have gone much better. To potentially only come out of it with just 1 injury concern is a decent return.
Celtic have had much better luck when it comes to international breaks over the last several now. Not like the first under Ange back in September when players were picking up injuries left, right, and centre.
It was a nervy period for the Celtic supporters too. After all, even one injury could’ve been next to disastrous. What would’ve happened if Giakoumakis, for example, picked up a knock and couldn’t feature? We would have no realistic and reliable option up top.
Thankfully, it looks like it’s all systems go. Hopefully Ange confirms the injury latest and how everyone has come back from their international camps later this week.
In other news, Report: Celtic-linked Christopher Scott tempted by EPL move after Brentford interest
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