For the first time since returning to Celtic, Brendan Rodgers has a fully fit squad to choose from. And the Hoops boss couldn’t have timed the return of his top stars any better.
Football Scotland broke the news earlier that captain Callum McGregor was back in training after missing the last month with an Achilles injury. The skipper wasn’t risked on Livingston’s artificial surface last week as the champions ran out 3-0 winners but is now poised to make a stunning comeback against Rangers on Sunday.
Celts also have Reo Hatate fit and raring to go after the Japanese playmaker made his first start since October last week, while Cameron Carter-Vickers continues to successfully manage his injury issues. The trio’s availability will come as a massive boost to the champions as we reach the business end of the campaign and Rodgers will hope they can make the difference at Ibrox.
Here’s seven things we spotted from today’s session at Lennoxtown as the Hoops gear up for arguably their biggest game of the season.
Callum McGregor BACK in Celtic training as skipper set to face Rangers
Jermain Defoe reveals Rangers vs Celtic gut feeling as ex-England star ponders Ibrox return
It’s the sight that Celtic fans were longing for. McGregor was back in the thick of it at a wet and windy Lennoxtown today and his presence in the middle of the park could prove invaluable on Sunday.
McGregor’s return could have consequences for stand-in Tomoki Iwata, though. The Japanese midfielder has performed admirably in the skipper’s absence but will likely be the one who drops out.
Just like McGregor, Cameron Carter-Vickers is indispensable to this Celtic side. CCV has breathed confidence into a ropey backline since overcoming his own injury issues and will face Rangers for the first time this season.
Kyogo has the ability to be the difference-maker at Ibrox, just like he was back in September. The little striker has terrorised Gers over the last few years with seven goals and he’ll be desperate to add to that tally.
Luis Palma faces a fight to win back his place in the starting XI but the fit-again winger could be a useful option from the bench after returning to training.
German winger Nicolas Kuhn has been unplayable in recent games and after taking time to find his feet at Parkhead, will be unleashed at Ibrox this weekend.
Rodgers’ squad has been ravaged by injuries all year but the Hoops boss now has a full squad to choose from. He has a couple of key decisions to make before the fun and games begin on Sunday.
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