Crisis is the perfect word to describe what Celtic are in at the moment regarding injuries.

The Hoops have many first-team players out at the moment, and nothing at the club seems to be positive.

Reo Hatate, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Stephen Welsh and Maik Nawrocki are just a few currently unavailable assets. Particularly, the case of Nawrocki is an interesting one.

Against Kilmarnock last weekend, the Pole pulled up in the latter stages. This was confirmed by Brendan Rodgers midweek, who said (The Scottish Sun): “He [Nawrocki] pulled up in the last ten seconds of the game against Kilmarnock.”

For such an injury to transpire extremely late on would have been hugely disappointing for Rodgers, although his previous comments make something such as this happening unsurprising.

Nawrocki
20th August 2023; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, Scotland: Scottish Viaplay Cup Football, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Marley Watkins of Kilmarnock tackles Maik Nawrocki of Celtic

Near the beginning of the season, the Irishman spoke about the new limits on added time, quipping it would not benefit his team. He said (Daily Record): “Naturally if you’re one of the so-called bigger clubs, it’s a worry because of the number of games. You think about someone like Callum McGregor who’s playing 60 to 70 games per season and then adding eight to 10 minutes on to the end of every one of them. I’m not overly in favour of it. If there are a few extra minutes to be played when there’s been a bad injury, then fine. But I don’t think the clock should be stopped for celebrating goals, for example.”

Rodgers’ fears appear to have come to fruition regarding the newly added time limits. If the law wasn’t in play, Celtic’s clash with Kilmarnock may not have gone on as long, and Nawrocki could have been absolutely fine at the minute.
As the season transpires, all those involved with the champions will be hoping no more players are put on the sidelines because of matches being extended. The last thing the Hoops need is more injuries.

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