Dedryck Boyata’s injury has been a huge set-back for Celtic this season, but he could be set for a return soon.
The centre-back picked up a hamstring knock in the Betfred Cup final win over Aberdeen last month. It was expected to have ruled him out until after the Winter break.
Since then, Jozo Simunovic has just about scared everyone with his performances back in the side. Alongside Filip Benkovic, Celtic don’t look anywhere near as solid as they once did. Boyata has been playing a massive part in the Hoops’ defensive solidity, and it’s showing now that he’s out.
But Brendan Rodgers has given supporters a massive and timely boost. With the injury crisis seemingly healing a tad, Rodgers stated Boyata could be free for the crucial matches against Aberdeen and Rangers this month.
The Celtic manager told the Scottish Sun the following:
“Dedryck has a good chance for the Aberdeen and Rangers games – absolutely.
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“Thankfully, his injury was only a slight, grade-one hamstring. He’s moving well outside, so we will see where he’s at.”
Boyata likely to be ready
Generally when players are touch-and-go, managers aren’t as certain as Rodgers comes across here. He clearly knows plenty that we don’t, and it seems very likely that Celtic’s Belgian rock will be available for the big matches ahead.
Images of the Hoops at training yesterday showed that the injury crisis is clearly on the mend. Ryan Christie and Tom Rogic joined Boyata on the field at Lennoxtown. All three took part in training, and they’re a trio that Celtic need for success.
Since Boyata has been out, Rodgers’ men have conceded in every game. Motherwell, Kilmarnock, RB Salzburg, and Hibernian have all bagged goals. The four combined have managed six goals against a now-rocky Celtic defence.
That’s a huge contrast to the four consecutive clean-sheets the club had picked up in the previous matches Boyata had started in.
Having him back for Ibrox is a massive boost for the club. Celtic are going to have plenty of defending to do across the city, whether fans want to admit it or not. The Belgian will be vital to hopes of securing a priceless win at the home of Celtic’s main rivals.
Supporters will now just be hoping that everything goes smoothly with Boyata’s final stages of recovery.