Brendan Rodgers Confirms Auston Trusty Injury Return Timeline

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Auston Trusty is set to rejoin first-team training on Friday.

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The American defender impressed supporters during pre-season with his strong performances and composure on the ball. However, when the campaign began, Liam Scales was preferred in the starting XI, with Trusty often introduced around the hour mark as Scales shifted across to left-back.

It later emerged that Trusty had been struggling with a heel problem which hampered his progress. The injury eventually forced him out of contention altogether.

Rodgers provided a welcome update on the 27-year-old’s recovery at his pre-match press conference, confirming that Trusty will step up his return at Lennoxtown before the weekend.

“Tony is obviously back in training. Auston will join the team and the squad on Friday. Apart from that, all the same,” the manager said to Celtic TV, also noting that Anthony Ralston has resumed full training after an issue.

With key fixtures in both the Premiership and Europa League looming, having Trusty available again increases Rodgers’ defensive options at a crucial point. Scales and Cameron Carter-Vickers have formed a reliable partnership in recent weeks, but the return of Trusty ensures competition remains fierce across the back line.

Celtic host Hibs on Saturday before turning their attention to a Europa League tie against Braga next Thursday.

They then play Motherwell before breaking up for yet another international break.