Chris Sutton has hinted that Callum McGregor could be back in the Celtic side for Wednesday’s Glasgow derby.
The midfielder suffered a facial injury last Saturday at Alloa but Celtic have been very guarded about the extent of the damage and the timeline for his return.
McGregor was with the squad at Tynecastle in midweek with fans and the media speculating about the damage with the club captain wearing a mask.
Nir Bitton, Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate were key to Celtic’s win over Hearts but if fully fit McGregor would be the first name on Ange Postecoglou’s team sheet.
In the Daily Record, Sutton writes:
The loss of Callum McGregor is huge. He makes Celtic tick and Postecoglou can only hope he’s not going to be missing for the long term.
The manager likes to be a bit cryptic when it comes to injuries and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him facing Rangers next week. Celtic can’t think about that game right now though – they have to completely ignore it.
I know it’s easier said than done when it comes to the supporters but the team simply has to park it because it’s essential they take maximum points against Dundee United today.
Picking up three points this afternoon and avoiding any further injury will be the priority for Postecoglou today.
With the prospect of Daizen Maeda and Tom Rogic flying in from World Cup qualifiers on Wednesday morning there will be plenty of speculation about the Celtic starting XI ahead of Wednesday’s match.
That would be fantastic to have our captain back. Would still be confident however if he misses out. We are building something big and it’s exciting times for sure. Onwards and upwards with Ange.