Report: Leigh Griffiths could return to squad next week

Add as preferred source on Google

Leigh Griffiths’ comeback at Celtic could see him rejoin the squad as early as next week.

The Scottish Sun has stated that Griffiths is working harder than ever behind the scenes to get fit. Neil Lennon is apparently eager to get him back into the squad before the end of the season.

That could mean a stunning return before the Scottish Cup final against Hearts on May 25th. But it’s been reported that his return could be as early as next week.

Griffiths has been out for several months battling personal issues. Celtic and the club’s supporters have been keen to give him all the time he needs to recover. And it’s starting to look as though his return to the first-team squad is coming sooner rather than later.

Celtic will face Hearts twice before the campaign ends, in both the Premiership and the Scottish Cup. If Griffiths was able to return for those matches, it would be a huge boost heading into the cup final in particular.

It could be written in the stars

Perhaps there’s going to be something iconic about Griffiths’ return. Celtic seem keen to get him back before the Scottish Cup final, and it would be welcome news to add to our firepower.

Griffiths and Hearts supporters have never seen eye-to-eye. His Hibernian days in particular sees him play the pantomime villain role when Celtic pitch up at Tynecastle these days.

So how fitting it would be for the striker to return against them and kill Hearts’ cup final hopes. Lennon wants Griffiths back for the cup final for a reason. He clearly believes Griff can have a big part to play in the contest, and that would be invaluable to the Hoops.

But it’s also something the club aren’t overly-committing to just yet. It’s important Celtic allow Griffiths to continue building up his fitness ahead of what’s going to be a monumental final couple of weeks to the season.

Whether he’s able to return against Hearts at Parkhead or at Hampden, it will just be great to see him back. Griff has 104 goals for Celtic, and that’s nothing to turn your nose up at. His return will be huge, whenever it happens.