It is not often that we see Callum McGregor get subbed off. The Celtic captain is ever-present in the middle of the park for the Hoops and has been a steady performer for many years now. So, when he was taken off in the recent game against St Mirren in the 65th minute with the score tied at 2-2, many fans wondered why.
Was it a tactical choice because the manager was not happy with how things were going with McGregor in the middle of the park? Or more worryingly, was it a sign that the captain had picked up some kind of injury?
With the business end of the season coming up, the last thing Celtic need is for McGregor to spend time out injured. But fortunately, it looks like it is nothing serious.
At least that is what it sounds like, judging from the comments of Brendan Rodgers after the game. As reported by The Celtic Way, the manager said when asked about McGregor:
"He just felt a little bit of tiredness in his calf. So I didn't want to take any risk with him. And Luke coming in was fantastic. Arne Engels just dropped back in."
Real reason Celtic boss subbed off Callum McGregor early
It is worth pointing out that Celtic actually improved a lot following McGregor's substitution. One player who looked completely transformed was Reo Hatate.
Hatate had been completely off-colour for the majority of the game but with McGregor going off, he seemed to take control of the match and provided the assist for Yang Hyun-jun's goal that put Celtic ahead. And it was not just that rare moment of genius either.
Hatate was brilliant towards the end of the game, as were several other Celtic players. As a result, one has to wonder whether it is worth trying this combination in future games as well while giving McGregor some rest from time to time, something that he rarely gets. Perhaps that would be of great help to everybody involved in the situation.