Ange Postecolgou has stated that David Turnbull is feeling good about his injury progress as he stated he’ll be set to return in a matter of “weeks”.
Turnbull has been out since December after the 2-1 win over Hibernian in the League Cup final. David has been struggling with a hamstring strain that’s reportedly set to keep him out of action until next month [The Scotsman].
The injury still looks set to keep him out of games against the likes of Hearts, Dundee United, and Rangers respectively. However, with Bodo/Glimt on the horizon come February 17th in the Europa Conference League, it remains to be seen if Turnbull is back for that one.
And whilst Postecoglou was hesitant to put a firm timeline on his return, he did state that the player’s spirits were high as he continues to work towards a return.
As quoted by the Sunday Mail [print edition, 16/01, page 61], Postecoglou said: ‘It’s hard to put a timeline on it. But he’s working hard in rehab and feels good about how it’s going. It’s a matter of weeks rather than anything longer. But he played a lot of football in the first half of the season and he’s probably one of the ones who suffered because of that.
“When he does come back we’ll be able to balance it a bit more with the reinforcements we’ve brought in.”
Ange Postecoglou shouldn’t move to rush David Turnbull back into Celtic team
Turnbull’s influence this season has both been incredible and incredibly underrated. We’re only halfway through the season and David has featured in 34 games for the club in total. Not to mention the fact he’s bagged 9 goals and 7 assists in that time [Transfermarkt].
Of course, it looks as though burnout finally caught up with the midfield dynamo. It turns out he can’t just keep playing continuously without a break. He is in fact human, and it probably isn’t the worst thing for his health and energy to be sitting out of action for a few weeks.
It’s also pleasing to hear that the player himself is pleased with his progress. That shows his morale remains high as he looks to make a big impact in the title run-in this season.
It’s sensational to think that Turnbull has already contributed within half a season what many others can only dream off over the course of a full one. All of that whilst operating under the huge pressures that come with playing for Celtic? It says a lot about the mentality of the player.
In the meantime, Ange has options. New signing Reo Hatate can play in a more advanced role whilst fellow new Bhoy Yosuke Ideguchi could easily slot in alongside Callum McGregor.
Having David back at some stage next month would be a major boost for the football club. But for now, we’ll take him being satisfied with his progress. Patience is vitally important given the nature of his injury.
In other news, Hibs boss Shaun Maloney admits he’s missing “some really good players” for Celtic trip
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