Celtic are going to get their first taste of what a life without Callum McGregor will look like, and if they can cope without him.
McGregor missed Celtic’s Scottish Cup victory against Rangers due to injury, with Martin O’Neill suggesting that he may be out for longer.
The 32-year-old has been an ever-present in the midfield for years, but this achilles problem means that we can see how Celtic’s future looks in the long-term without their captain.
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Callum McGregor tipped for extended period of time out injured
Charlie Mulgrew admitted on ‘The Breakdown podcast’ that he thinks that McGregor will be out for a period of time.
Mulgrew highlighted that achilles injuries are usually picked up due to ‘overuse’ and that it could be a ‘few weeks’ on the sidelines.
As well as the semi-final against St Mirren, the Hoops also have the final four games before the Scottish Premiership splits the top six and bottom six for the remaining five games.
Greg Taylor has tried to reassure that McGregor’s injury isn’t serious, but the Bhoys must prepare for the worst.
Who will replace Callum McGregor?
Reo Hatate stepped up to play in the McGregor role at Ibrox but with speculation suggesting he will be on the move this summer, may not be a viable long-term option.
Damian Bobadilla is one of the midfielders on Celtic’s radar but is better utilised as a box-to-box player while other new faces may be linked in the future.
Paulo Bernardo, Arne Engels and Luke McCowan aren’t of the quality or knowhow to play that defensive role full-time while the academy hasn’t got anyone, aside from Kyle Ure, who is nursing a long-term injury that has stunted his progression.
While they can ride it out until the end of the season, the only true replacement is going to have to come in the transfer market.
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