Josip Juranovic could be rested from Croatia’s friendly against Bulgaria on Tuesday night.
Against Slovenia the Celtic defender played on the right of a five man midfield with the Croatian’s using their friendly double-bill in Quatar to try out different systems and players.
Juranovic has played five full matches for his nation this season with Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic very open about his thinking ahead of the match with Bulgaria:
Discussing his defensive options, he told Sport Clanek:
The stoppers will be Skoric, Vida and Caleta-Car, on the left side Barisic, on the right maybe Juranovic, although it will be his second game then. Moro, Pašali? and Majer will be in the midfield, and Vlaši? and Livaja will be in the attack.
We are only in a little doubt when it comes to the right flank. I will not tell you who we are thinking about because you will be making a drama about it. The goal is to try this team and, of course, win the game.
A friendly in Qatar isn’t the most demanding of contests for Juranovic but there is always a greater risk of injury in a match than in training.
Juranovic will be able to get a flight to London on Wednesday morning to have him back in Glasgow by mid-afternoon to prepare for Sunday’s clash at Ibrox.
With Nir Bitton excused from Israel’s friendly against Romania the injury risks to Celtic players on Tuesday will be reduced with Daizen Maeda and Tom Rogic the biggest concerns a week before the Glasgow derby.
