Brendan Rodgers says new signing Gustaf Lagerbielke is fit and available for this weekend’s Celtic match against Kilmarnock, and he may be needed after another defender picked up a knock in training today.
Despite signing a new contract, Stephen Welsh has been added to an injury list that also includes Cameron Carter-Vickers. That means Maik Nawrocki and Lagerbielke are now the most senior central defensive options in the building.
Rodgers provided these updates in a media conference this afternoon. While not guaranteeing that Lagerbielke will feature, it does make sense given his availability and the issues elsewhere.
The Swede has only just joined the Bhoys from Elfsborg but has been playing in his homeland’s top-flight since April, making 16 appearances in total. He may be as sharp as anyone else in the Celtic squad right now.
However, it’s a big ask to travel to Kilmarnock and play a team on that artificial pitch, having barely gotten time to know your teammates. Derek McInnes’ side have shown they can spring upsets this season having already beaten Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.
Celtic are continuing their defence of last season’s treble in Ayrshire and will want to put in a strong performance to move through to the next round. It’s all about positive forward momentum under Rodgers at the moment and no-one needs an early cup exit.
The gauntlet is set then for Nawrocki and Lagerbielke to start building an immediate partnership and provide the foundation for a strong performance on the road.
Celtic will be red hot favourites to progress and the manager will be able to name a strong eleven for that purpose, despite Reo Hatate also being missing from the midfield with a calf complaint.
In other news, Brendan Rodgers takes firm stance as another Celtic summer exit looms.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
