While some of their rivals' seasons are long over, Celtic need to keep sharp ahead of the Scottish Cup final. There are two more Premiership matches to play before then though. That could call for some extensive and perhaps risky use of the squad by Brendan Rodgers ahead of the Hampden Park meeting against Aberdeen.
We've already seen the impact of injuries with Jota, Nicolas Kuhn, Kasper Schmeichel, and Alistair Johnston missing the recent game at Ibrox. That was a mix of serious injury, mild knock, and the need for rest and treatment, keeping them out.
Now we have Cameron Carter-Vickers on the sidelines for a couple of weeks to help ease a hamstring concern. That saw Liam Scales and Auston Trusty start against Hibernian.
Rodgers may also rest other players too as he digs deeper into his squad for these upcoming league games. Some B team players like Kyle Ure are believed to be joining the first team squad for training. That does all open up a risk as we head towards the cup final and another potential treble.
One Celtic issue could derail Brendan Rodgers' treble dream
It’s a positive that with the league title won and in the trophy room again, the remaining Premiership matches aren't significant. Sure, Celtic always wants to win, but the chance to rest players ahead of the Scottish Cup final is an advantage. If it allows a few niggles and knocks to be treated and recovered from, that's a big plus.
On the other hand, this looks like a bigger disruption than perhaps Rodgers would have wanted. Callum McGregor has spoken of the importance of maintaining the momentum of recent wins and good performances. That’s where the risk comes in amid question marks on squad depth.
It’s quite possible that we won't see an even close to full-strength Celtic side until they line up at Hampden Park on May 24. Rodgers will likely be giving chances to impress to players such as Maik Nawrocki and Johnny Kenny. Others like Luke McCowan, Yang Hyun-jun, and Paulo Bernardo may step up from the bench to start some matches.
But as those players come into either the bench or the starting lineup, there will be more gaps to fill. Perhaps players like Sean McArdle and Jude Bonnar could have a role to play. It’s great to give youth a chance, and we should do it more often.
But it’s risky as the squad prepares to face Aberdeen. Will we gain greater squad resilience and cover or see the momentum disrupted and end up almost like a return from a close season? Time will tell, it’s where Rodgers has to bring his extensive experience to the fore again. There’s another treble to be won. One that will put him past every other manager in Celtic history when it comes to domestic sweeps.