Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is already being talked about at Celtic after Saturday night’s Scottish Cup win over Dundee, even though he has not played yet. The 2–1 extra-time win got Celtic through, but it also showed how fast the focus has turned to fitness, rotation, and who can be relied on in the months ahead.
It was a tough game. Dundee pushed Celtic all the way and dragged the match into extra time, with tired legs and fading concentration late on. Nights like that leave very little time to recover before the next match comes around.
That next game arrives quickly. Livingston are at Celtic Park on Wednesday, then it is Kilmarnock away at Rugby Park on Sunday. With midfield minutes already high, any new face naturally comes into the discussion, even one still settling in.
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s situation is not the same as most January signings. He has been training and keeping himself fit, but match sharpness only comes from playing. Celtic do not need to rush him. They need him ready when it counts.
After the Dundee game, Martin O’Neill was asked if Wednesday might be too soon for the new arrival. His reply showed the balance Celtic are trying to keep right now.
He said: (TCW), “For Wednesday? I will have a look at that and see how he does in the next couple of days.
“But yeah, the sooner he’s in a bit of shape, the better for us.”
Kilmarnock away is a tougher choice, with a rough pitch and a game that can get messy fast.
There is no sign Celtic will take a risk. This is about picking the right moment, not pushing him onto the pitch.
The next couple of days will decide it. How he trains, and how sharp he looks will guide the call. Celtic are keeping a close eye on it, with no rush and little margin for error.
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