Celtic’s players that aren’t on international duty started training at Lennoxtown on Thursday, with one player’s return perhaps fling under the radar.
Mikey Johnston returned to training after having to undergo a calf operation to deal with injury issues that have prevented him from playing a first-team game since January.
Johnston posted on Instagram about his return to training, alongside a picture of a timer, which could mean that he is not far away from a first-team return.
Johnston might be a bit away from a first-team place yet, however, his return to training has come at just the right time.
Short on options
The Hoops are short on players who are able to play as right sided attackers. At the moment, the only real option to play in that position is Jeremie Frimpong.
James Forrest, who has been a mainstay on the right for around a decade, would be the usual first choice for that role. However, he is out of action for up to six weeks, the Glasgow Times reports, with an ankle injury.
Therefore, the Hoops need options on the right side, and they need them soon. That is why the return of Johnston will be a real boost for the Celtic squad.
Highly talented when he is fit
On his day Johnston is a highly talented individual. Who can forget his pass to Odsonne Edouard which set up the Frenchman’s goal in Celtic’s 2-0 win over Rangers last season?
Neil Lennon will not want to bring Johnston back into the Hoops squad too early. He will not want the player to suffer from any more injuries.
However, with the incredibly busy schedule that Celtic have in the weeks ahead, Johnston might be back sooner than expected.
It would be good to see him on the bench soon. The game against Rangers might be too early for that, but perhaps in one of the league games that follows.
Celtic do have a big squad, but that doesn’t prevent injuries from disrupting key areas of the side. Johnston’s return can help the Hoops deal with the disruption caused by Forrest’s absence.
In other news, watch a heroic bit of defending by Celtic’s Shane Duffy.
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