It’s been an awful season for injuries at Celtic. That could be about to ease ahead of the final run-in for the league and a vital Scottish Cup semi-final. Three key players are very much on track to be available for selection again.
Realistically, we’re not going to see the likes of Jota or Cameron Carter-Vickers this season, and Kasper Schmeichel has now added his name to those ruled out. But if Martin O’Neill can count on having Alistair Johnston, Arne Engels and Callum McGregor back on the pitch again, it’ll be a huge triple boost. O’Neill’s media conference on Friday suggests those three key players are all edging closer to making a return.
Callum McGregor has so far been a short-term casualty. There were fears that he might be out for a while yet, but his appearance at training this week is encouraging. As were Martin O’Neill’s words at the media conference on Friday. He talked positively of McGregor being back in training. Dundee United on Sunday may be a game too soon, but let's see if the captain makes an appearance on the pitch there.
Triple Celtic return boost
Then there is Arne Engels also getting back into regular training. O’Neill suggested the young Belgian could be back playing again after the upcoming international break. Engels has faced some criticism this season, but his absence has weakened the midfield and meant fewer substitute options to shake things up during a match.
Having Engels and McGregor back in contention for a midfield place would be a huge boost. Reo Hatate is showing signs of his platform again, and they can make a powerful trio. With Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, free-scoring Benjamin Nygren, Luke McCowan, and Paulo Bernardo, there is plenty of depth and variation. It may give O’Neill a selection headache, but it's a likely problem he’ll welcome with open arms.
Also close to returning is Alistair Johnston. He’s been out for several months now. Fortunately, Julian Araujo has stepped in admirably in the meantime, although a minor injury may keep him out in the short term. Having Johnston available again towards the last few games adds more depth and quality when it may be most needed. He’ll be keen to take his chance in the side again as he vies for a place at the World Cup finals with Canada.
It still leaves some quality gaps upfront and for wide players. But strengthening the midfield and defence will help the frontline too. This could be just the right news at the right time to help O’Neill guide Celtic over the line in the league and towards a Scottish Cup win.