Celtic were without Filip Benkovic for the recent 2-1 win over Rangers. The centre-back failed to even make the bench for the game due to ankle problems.
However, the Scotsman recently revealed that the injury isn’t that serious, and he has returned to training. That is good timing for the Hoops, as Dedryck Boyata could be out for a while with a hamstring problem.
Parent club watching closely
However, it would not be a shock if Benkovic is used only sparingly between now and the end of the season. The player’s parent club, Leicester City, will be watching Benkovic’s injuries closely.
They won’t want their player who they reportedly paid £13 million for to be out for an extended period of time.
Celtic might well take into account the fact that Benkovic won’t be at the club next season.
Makes sense to start players who will be at club
The Hoops will need to start preparing for their Champions League qualifiers soon. Therefore, it makes sense to start Kristoffer Ajer and Jozo Simunovic at the back from now on.
The pair seem to be the likely centre-back duo that will be trying to help the Hoops make the Champions League group stages.
There’s no doubt that when fit, Benkovic has been an excellent player for Celtic. And he may well start the Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen.
But it would not be a shock if he was only used sparingly from now on, especially as the league is all but won.
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