Celtic have had to deal with a number of injury problems this season, just like the last time around. It has ended up having a negative impact on their form as well. Ultimately though, Ange Postecoglou has a much deeper squad now than he did a year back and has navigated through the problems more easily. As a result, despite their stumbles in Europe, in the Premiership, the Hoops sit four points ahead of the Rangers.
It goes without saying that they will want to have their best players back as soon as possible. While the Champions League last 16 hopes are over and Europa League qualification is also unlikely, there is a lot to play for domestically.
One of the players who has been out for quite a while is Carl Starfelt. The Swede had already missed the entirety of pre-season due to an injury he had picked up while with his national team. And he picked up a different one in the Glasgow Derby against the Rangers.
Starfelt has been out of action since then. But now, he has made an unexpected return to training, although he is still getting back up to speed.
Celtic star spotted in training in unexpected return from long-term injury
As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Postecoglou said:
"“Carl (Starfelt) is back in training, which is great. It will be too early tomorrow, but the idea is to get him back in training over the next few days and see how he goes.”"
Starfelt had established himself as a first-team regular for Celtic last season alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers in the heart of defence. In his absence, things have looked a bit shaky at the back, with Moritz Jenz and Stephen Welsh trying to fill his absence.
Both Jenz and Welsh have had their moments and put in good performances. But overall, they have been inconsistent. Thus, Starfelt’s return cannot come soon enough for Celtic. If the Swede can rediscover his fitness and form, one would expect him to regain his place as a starter.