Celtic return to action this weekend against Livingston in the Scottish Premiership as Brendan Rodgers’ men plot title glory.
With eight league matches remaining, the Bhoys hold a slender advantage at the summit, though they could come into this one two points behind Rangers if they defeat Hibernian on Saturday.
Either way, Rodgers has a golden opportunity to ensure his side head into a week of build-up ahead of the Glasgow Derby with some form of lead intact, which would provide an opportunity to pile the pressure on our rivals should we prevail at Ibrox.
While we wait for official confirmation of players who could return from injury, there is hope the likes of Reo Hatate and Liam Scales can overcome their respective issues to feature at the Tony Macaroni Arena.
United States international Cameron Carter-Vickers will hopefully be fresh after remaining at Lennoxtown over the international break.
Nevertheless, Rodgers may face a conundrum over whether to field the 26-year-old on the artificial surface amid his struggles with fitness that have persisted through the season.
David Martindale’s outfit come into this one without a win in five, though they ran us close last time out in the Scottish Cup, and Celtic had to rely on late heroics from Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi to book our place in the semi-final of the competition.
Callum McGregor set for ‘imminent’ Celtic return
Recently, Celtic boss Rodgers sat down with official club channels for an interview, during which he conversed about various topics surrounding our season run-in.
Intriguingly, Gerry McCulloch, who was questioning the Irishman, seemed to suggest that club captain Callum McGregor is set for an ‘imminent’ return to the fold following his injury issues, which has seen Tomoki Iwata deputize in his absence.
McCulloch initially stated [Celtic TV]: “With Cameron now back to fitness and the imminent return of our captain Callum McGregor, and instrumental midfielder Reo Hatate, this could make a big difference. How important is it to have all your players back who have experienced the title run-in before?”
Rodgers replied: “Of course, it’s great if they’re available. Each one is obviously different, but when they have that know-how and experience with how to deal with it (title race), then that can be key.
“I think the three players mentioned there are obviously hugely influential players for the team. So, it will be great to have them back and available.”
Callum McGregor making his comeback could be vital for Celtic
McGregor is not only our captain but the man who makes everything tick in midfield, showing himself as the standard-bearer at Parkhead since gaining the armband from Scott Brown circa 2021.
Undoubtedly, his influence in the engine room has been sorely missed over the last few weeks, though Iwata deserves to be commended for the job he has carried out protecting the back four.
Rodgers may have a selection dilemma regarding whether to start the Japanese enforcer; regardless, McGregor should be thrown straight in against Livingston this weekend, as our chances of victory will incrementally increase by virtue of his presence on the field.