The message from Ange Postecoglou to his Celtic players was clear heading into the international break – return fit or don’t return at all.
Okay, so the Hoops boss was being jokey with the media in the aftermath of a big 2-1 win at Aberdeen last week [Scottish Sun]. But there was a serious concern behind the message as we headed into the second international break of the campaign. Celtic returned from the September internationals in bad shape. Kyogo Furuhashi had picked up an injury with Japan whilst we still had several players out or not yet up to speed fitness-wise.
So far, it’s been a positive first week of the October session without any real concerns. But three massive fixtures are still to be played out in the coming days in which Postecoglou will be itching his men come through unscathed. Here, we take a look at all 3:
Japan vs Australia – Tuesday, October 12th
Out of all of the games coming up, this feels like the most important one – Tom Rogic’s Australia will face off against Furuhashi’s Japan in two days’ time.
We’ve already seen the damage an injury to Kyogo can do to our attacking threat. When Celtic went a prolonged period in September without him, it showed us up badly. It’s pretty simple, as things stand, we can’t afford to lose him for any period of time at the moment.
However, losing Rogic would be almost just as frightening. Yes, some will point to the fact he was on the bench in our last match as evidence to suggest there are replacements there. But David Turnbull is hardly in-form these days.
Rogic is Celtic’s most effective number 10. Considering the fact it looks as though Postecoglou is going to split the Turnbull/Rogic partnership up more regularly, Tom is, as things stand, in pole position to be in the starting XI when we return from international duty.
Any injury blow here would be disastrous, there’s no dressing it up.
Faroe Islands vs Scotland – Tuesday, October 12th
Celtic will likely only have the one player involved in this one in captain Callum McGregor. But that name alone is enough to explain why this is so important to us getting through the international break without a big blow.
Indeed, James Forrest and Greg Taylor aren’t in the squad due to injury. Turnbull, meanwhile, has become something of a bench-warmer under Steve Clarke. The same couldn’t be said of McGregor, who is a constant in the Scotland boss’ starting XI.
McGregor played a colossal role in the massive 3-2 World Cup qualifying win against Israel last night. The fans were quick to recognise it too. There’s not even a debate to be had about whether he’ll start in the Faroes. It’s a certainty considering Scotland still have a big job to do in seeing progression to the playoffs over the line.
Could you imagine the deflating impact if McGregor picked up absolutely anything whilst away with Scotland? He’s another who was out for a period in September, and it absolutely rocked the balance of our midfield. Not to mention the leadership qualities he holds as captain.
If he can safely negotiate this one feeling good about himself at full-time, we can be delighted. Oh, and make sure to win it too, Callum!
Israel vs Moldova – Tuesday 12th October
Whilst all of the above is going on, another Celtic duo could be in action in Nir Bitton and Liel Abada when Israel host Moldova.
This one looks like a routine evening for the Israelis. Celtic fans will be praying the Hoops duo simply look after themselves on the pitch too.
Bitton, just like McGregor, is certain to start here. He’s an Israel stalwart and impressed viewers in their defeat to Scotland last night. At the same time of course, this is a squad that looks to be in crisis given their World Cup qualifying dream is all but over.
Abada has yet to start for his country, but Willibald Ruttensteiner could look to give some fresh faces an opportunity. Abada already has an assist to his name for Israel, and a home game against Moldova could be the perfect chance for his international boss to see him in action.
Both men are hugely important to the Celtic cause these days. Bitton came in against Aberdeen last weekend and showed how vital he is to the Postecoglou system. He managed to add some extra protection to the backline in his natural defensive-midfield role. Abada’s importance doesn’t need explaining – he’s used constantly by the manager.
Tuesday night will be an action-packed evening of football for sure. But all we’re hoping for is that all of the Celts in action come through it without any issues.
In other news, Celtic captain Callum McGregor continues to wow Scotland supporters with “insane” levels
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