Martin O’Neill has provided an encouraging update on Benjamin Nygren ahead of Celtic’s Scottish Premiership opener against Dundee.
The Swedish midfielder has missed the Hoops’ most recent pre-season fixtures after returning from the World Cup with an Achilles issue.
Nygren linked up with the squad later than most of his teammates following his international commitments but was unable to feature as Celtic concluded their preparations for the new campaign.
However, speaking ahead of Monday night’s league opener, O’Neill suggested the problem is beginning to clear up.
On Nygren’s fitness, the Celtic manager said:
“He’s okay, he’s been training. It was a bit niggly, but he’s said he can run it off.” [The Herald]
Nygren was quite the player last season.
He wasn’t always starring in the team week in, week out, but he was certainly scoring the goals. Hitting over 20 in his first season in the Hoops isn’t bad going and interest was expected in the Swede this summer.
The midfielder’s absence has been managed carefully, particularly after his involvement at the World Cup earlier this summer.
Rather than rushing him back, Celtic’s medical staff have opted to give him the time needed to overcome the Achilles complaint.
Now back in training, Nygren could soon be available for selection as O’Neill begins another Premiership title defence.
With Kasper Høgh and Camilo Duran now through the door and further additions expected before the transfer window closes, getting Nygren fit and firing will be another significant boost as Celtic prepare for a busy season on both the domestic and European fronts.
