Celtic have done a tremendous job this season when you consider the circumstances that they have had to face. The club brought in a new manager in the summer, in the form of Ange Postecoglou, who had never been in charge of a top flight club in Europe despite his considerable success in Australia and Japan. On top of that, the squad needed to undergo an overhaul as well, with seventeen players arriving overall while several key stars have left.
But the biggest thorn in Celtic’s side this season, has arguably been the number of injuries that they have had to deal with. They have been constant and one after another.
Just when Kyogo returned to fitness after being out for over three months, Giorgos Giakoumakis was forced off the pitch in the same match. And now, the Hoops have another injury worry heading into the Scottish Cup semi-final against the Rangers this weekend, as it has emerged that David Turnbull picked up a knock as well.
As reported by the Daily Record, Postecoglou confirmed the news while speaking on Celtic TV:
"“David Turnbull, he obviously got a pretty hard knock.“It’s only a couple of days after so we’ll see how it all settles down.“I’m hoping it’s not too lengthy an absence.”"
Celtic suffer fresh injury worry before Scottish Cup semi-final vs Rangers
Turnbull himself had been out with a long-term injury since December and only returned to action recently. But now, it looks like he could potentially have to spend more time on the sidelines, depending upon the severity of the knock that he picked up.
It goes without saying that this is a worry for Celtic but at the same time, the club can cope without Turnbull because of the incredible depth that they have in midfield at this point of time.
Both Tom Rogic and Matt O’Riley, who arrived in January from MK Dons, have been in brilliant form in recent months and appear to be competing with each other for a spot in the starting XI. Thus, even when Turnbull is fit, he could have a tough time getting into the team.
On the other hand, the injury that Giakoumakis suffered is a much bigger problem for the Hoops heading into the game against the Rangers, as they do not have as many options available there right now. Kyogo might not be fit enough to be starting games yet.