Report: Brilliant Tom Rogic and Carl Starfelt update for Celtic supporters

By David Walton

November 23, 2021

Both Tom Rogic and Carl Starfelt are in contention to face Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday night, according to the Daily Record.

Starfelt has been out of action since picking up a hamstring injury in a game against Livingston last month. The Record reports that he’s finally returned to training and could be fit for Thursday night.

The same goes for Rogic, who’s been missing since the impressive 3-1 win at Hibs back in October 27th. The Aussie took some heavy treatment that day from Alex Gogic in particular. However, it looks as though we’re also closing in on his return date too with the Record claiming that he could also play on Thursday night.

It remains to be seen if Ange Postecoglou actually risks either of them of course. Given the important fixtures coming up domestically over the festive period, it’s essential their knocks aren’t aggravated further.

It’s more likely that we see a partnership of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Stephen Welsh on Thursday night than it is seeing Starfelt return to action. And it also seems a touch more realistic to see Rogic on the bench than in the starting line-up.

Of course, it’s difficult to predict Ange Postecoglou’s selections. From time to time he throws a curveball in that you just don’t expect. It would be surprising to see him to it again on Thursday.

Tom Rogic and Carl Starfelt closing in on their Celtic injury returns

This is class news for Celtic supporters. Probably not with regards to Thursday night to be fair. You would imagine Postecoglou has already picked out his starting XI for that one even if there is a surprise return or 2.

It’s important to remember just how many games Celtic have coming up before the end of 2021. We have as many as 11 games before the end of 2021. Considering we’re now on November 23rd, that’s pretty obscene when you think about it.

But its hows just how important it is to ensure that we have a squad capable of tackling all of the challenges put in front of us. In that run we still have a Premier Sports Cup final and a tough Europa League clash against Real Betis at Parkhead to deal with.

However, the true nature of it is that every game in this run is a must-win. Celtic simply do not have the luxury of picking and choosing which games they want to play their first-choice starting XI. The squad will need to be utilised, but every team will have to be the one Ange thinks has the best chance of winning the game.

Having Rogic and Starfelt added into the mix for these fixtures is massive for the club. Had they suffered further setbacks, it could’ve led to some burnout for 1 or 2 of their teammates.

Thankfully, it looks as though a return is on the horizon. Whether that proves to be on Thursday night against Leverkusen or perhaps even Sunday at home to Aberdeen, all eyes are now on Ange.

In other news, Report: How Celtic star Stephen Welsh is feeling after Shaun Rooney incident