Maik Nawrocki hasn’t had much luck since joining Celtic in 2023 and it seems that streak will continue into the new season.
The defender limped off after just 20 minutes in the recent friendly with Ayr United with a calf injury.
After the match, Brendan Rodgers didn’t have an update on the issue and the player was due for assessment in the following days.
News from the latest reporting isn’t too great, especially when it comes to his pre-season preparations.
The Scotsman reported on Saturday that he won’t be available for Celtic’s three matches in the United States against DC United, Manchester City and Chelsea. He’s set to miss a massive chunk of the pre-season period.
Nawrocki needed this summer to show his worth to Celtic
The former Legia man rebuffed transfer interest earlier in the summer to focus on winning a place in the Celtic team, so you have to feel for him that he’s suffered a setback already.
After an injury-hit 2023/24 campaign, he needs to show the coaching staff he can stand up to the rigours and demands of training and matches.
Liam Scales did a job last term but if Nawrocki has the potential to star for the Bhoys you’d expect him to break into the team when fully fit.
Celtic are said to be on the hunt for a new central defender in the transfer window but, until a deal goes through, competition should theoretically be fierce beside Cameron Carter-Vickers.
However, if Nawrocki can’t keep himself injury-free then he will only fall further down the pecking order as time goes on – especially if new talent is coming into the club.
Injury recoveries are never a sure thing – Daizen Maeda proved that last season – but if Nawrocki is truly out for the rest of the summer period then it will be difficult for him to get up to speed when the competitive action starts.
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