Celtic’s struggles with injuries seem to be never ending. It was understandable last season when the squad was pretty thin and a number of players had to play more regularly than they probably should have. But this time around, the Hoops have several options all over the pitch. Yet, they continue to be marred by fitness issues.
Carl Starfelt has been out since the game against the Rangers while Cameron Carter-Vickers picked up an injury against Shakhtar Donetsk. With regards to the American defender, he has thankfully returned to training.
But then, Callum McGregor got injured in the game against RB Leipzig and there are fears that it could be a serious issue. It goes without saying that that could be a massive problem for the Hoops.
Thus, it is safe to say that Celtic will be without a number of their key players when they travel to St Johnstone. But at the same time, there is some positive news as well. As reported by The Scotsman, Ange Postecoglou said:
"“We will need to have plenty of energy and intensity to our game, so it makes sense to make some changes. But we will wait and see how everyone looks before making changes. Giorgos came on in midweek and it’s good to have him back. Liel is also available. Those two especially can add some of that energy I am talking about.”"
Postecoglou drops hint about Celtic changes vs St Johnstone
Giorgos Giakoumakis picked up an injury while away with the Greek national team but he did come off the bench in the game against RB Leipzig.
On the other hand, Liel Abada missed out in midweek as he was observing the Jewish holiest day of Yom Kippur.
Postecoglou’s comments do appear to hint at them potentially getting starts in the game vs St Johnstone.
While Celtic do need to make changes, Postecoglou will need to be careful not to make too many of them at the same time. That was one of the biggest reasons why they lost against St Mirren. They must get all three points against St Johnstone though, in order to get some momentum back on their side. They have lost three of their last five games.