Ange Postecoglou has provided a major update on Celtic’s biggest injury concern going into the new season.
Carl Starfelt has been out injured since being stretchered off for Sweden during the summer. The Celtic defender’s first full cap for his country ended prematurely.
Since then, Carl has been fighting back from injury and working with the team at Lennoxtown to get fit. Unfortunately, the Swede has missed the whole of pre-season.
However, there is light at the end of the tunnel and Starfelt could provide a major boost ahead of an important run of fixtures.
Ange revealed a timeline for Carl’s return:
“We’re hoping Carl will join in training at some point this week.
“He’s in the last stages and doing all the physical stuff away from the group.
“So knock on wood, he’s passed every stage and the handover to the football department should happen.
“That means that hopefully within a week or two he’s ready to go.”
Ange speaking to SunSport
Ange is optimistic about the centre-back’s return and it could see Carl back in the thick of things by mid-August. If that’s the case, the SPFL title winner will be available for the Glasgow Derby at the beginning of September and the Champions League opener days later.
The Celtic manager does have options at the moment. With Carl sidelined for the next couple of SPFL games at least, the Australian can pick between Stephen Welsh, Moritz Jenz and Christopher Jullien.
Stephen Welsh appears the most likely to start against Aberdeen alongside CCV for flag day at the moment.
It will be interesting to see what the manager is thinking when the team comes out next Sunday.
Welsh is probably the safe bet to start alongside CCV, but I’d like to see us play Jenz, if he’s match fit.
Jullien’s future probably lies elsewhere once Starfelt rejoins the first team squad, i just don’t see a place for him now, and I’d be surprised if he makes the 25 man Champions League squad if still with us when its announced.
Our defence is looking pretty solid in numbers and ability for the first time in a long time.