Celtic’s injury problems this season have been extensive.
Although there has been valid criticism of transfer activity, player performance and the job Brendan Rodgers has done since returning to the club – it is undeniable that the injuries and fitness have played a big part in how the season has turned out.
Now though, the skies are clearing on that front and former striker Chris Sutton reckons Rodgers is closing in on getting his best eleven on the pitch – just in time for the league and cup double push.
The Bhoys have a maximum of ten games left in the season. That’s eight Scottish Premiership fixtures plus a semi-final and a potential final in the Scottish Cup.
Despite all the chatter and issues this term, Celtic can still go on and complete the double. Can the returning players fire them to glory?
Chris Sutton on Celtic returns
Sutton thinks it’s a possibility, writing in the Daily Record [23/03 print edition]: “Keep Kyogo on form, keep Cameron Carter-Vickers fit and add that midfield trio [of Hatate, McGregor and O’Riley] and Rodgers could go into the final two months with as powerful a selection hand as he’s held all term.
“Potentially, if Celtic can get through the Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen, there are 10 games left in their season. Every single one of them promises to be massive and it is going to take big game players.
“Having them all his disposal through until the end of May would be perfect timing for him. The equation is pretty simple for Celtic. Win all 10 of those remaining games starting at Livingston next weekend and the Premiership and Scottish Cup double is theirs.
“It’s a big period and it calls for stars who can make it happen. Hatate and McGregor are two who can shine more than any in the country.”
Hatate ramped up his recovery from injury by featuring for a half in a recent bounce game at Lennoxtown which bodes well for his involvement after the international break.
He could get minutes away to Livingston before being included in some capacity against Rangers at Ibrox.
McGregor is also expected to be back shortly after the current break, though his return date is a little more nebulous at this point.
If Celtic can truly put these injury issues behind them at this critical stage of the season, going on a ten-game winning-streak isn’t out of the equation. And that’s something to be excited about.