Callum McGregor's return to the Celtic team is 'imminent', according to Brendan Rodgers.
The midfielder picked up a knock in training and missed recent matches against Hearts and Livingston earlier this month.
The Achilles and calf issues kept him out of those games, however, he is expected to come straight back into Rodgers' starting line-up in West Lothian this Sunday.
Rumours surfaced online that the Scotland international would be ruled out for the remainder of the season with the injury problem.
🗣️ “We’ll all be ready and embraced for a really exciting run-in."
— Celtic TV (@CelticTV) March 28, 2024
The manager looks ahead to this weekend's return to action! 🍀
đź“ş Watch in FULL: https://t.co/uOD57Y6yCc
✍️ Subscribe to #CelticTV: https://t.co/OEkbxxC5SE#LIVCEL | @CelticFC | #COYBIG🍀 pic.twitter.com/xIQSxyb1y6
However, speaking to the club's own TV channel, the manager moved to dispel that speculation, instead offering a positive update on his impending return.
He said: “With Cameron [Carter-Vickers] now back to fitness and the imminent return of our captain Callum McGregor, and instrumental midfielder Reo Hatate, this could make a big difference."
Rodgers was then asked how important it is to have all his key players back for the title run-in.
”Of course, it's great if they're available," the 51-year-old responded. "Each one is obviously different but when they have that knowhow and experience with how to deal with it [title run-in] then that can be key.
"I think the three players mentioned there are obviously hugely influential players for the team. So, it will be great to have them back and available.”
READ MORE:Â When Rodgers' SFA Celtic ban verdict will be announced
He added: “We played Livingston only recently. Attacking-wise, we were very good in the game, but we gave too much away for my liking. So our mentality and focus is to go and play to the level of game that we want to play, but make sure that we don’t give much up in terms of opportunities and space. If we can do that, then we can have a very good day hopefully.
“Obviously with Livingston being at home and on the astroturf pitch, they’ll maybe be more accustomed to that. Whatever team David Martindale puts out, they are normally battling and working very, very hard. We have seen that."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel