A nervy international break is almost over for Celtic fans with just one more evening to go, and a pretty big night in store for Scotland.
Steve Clarke’s side head to Kraków this evening to face Ukraine, knowing that a draw or a win will earn them Nations League promotion as well as a guaranteed Euro 2024 playoff spot.
It’s a major night with Celtic trio Callum McGregor, Anthony Ralston and Greg Taylor all in the reckoning for game-time.
Fellow Scotland international David Turnbull left the squad last week after an ankle injury failed to clear up in time to play a part.
Turnbull has been one of several bits of worrying international news, with Sead Haksabanovic and Daizen Maeda also raising the heart rates of the Celtic support.
Haksabanovic was taken off early after a strong challenge in Montenegro’s 2-0 loss to Finland last night.
Maeda, meanwhile, didn’t feature at all for Japan today in their 0-0 draw with Ecuador, although hopefully that’s just a precaution after an ankle injury.
Japan Times journalist Dan Orlowitz reported that Maeda watched the game from the stands, suggesting that the injury didn’t require him to return to Glasgow ASAP, in what is promising injury news for Celtic.
Kyogo played 45 minutes before being substituted while Reo Hatate wasn’t given a single minute of action over their two matches.
From a conditioning point of view, a fair chunk of Celtic’s international stars have had a good week.
Aaron Mooy played just one game for Australia. Giorgos Giakoumakis is yet to feature for Greece, while Ralston, Taylor and Josip Juranovic have also had considerable time on the sidelines.
Only Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley seem to have had busy breaks, which is good news from a Celtic point of view.
Obviously, injuries aren’t ideal, but none seem to be significant at this stage. Fingers crossed it stays that way this evening.
In other news, Jota’s sublime goal against Aberdeen has won the club’s Goal of the Month award
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