Celtic could be about to receive a timely boost in their title chase, with Martin O’Neill delivering a promising update on Arne Engels ahead of the run-in.

With just seven games remaining and the Hoops sitting five points off the pace, there is little margin for error. Every performance and every available player has to be near perfect.

The Belgian midfielder has been absent through injury during a period where Celtic’s midfield has lacked control and energy. It is something O’Neill openly acknowledged this week, suggesting the team have felt his absence more than some may have expected.

“It’s interesting sometimes, it’s only when somebody’s not playing do you actually miss them. I think that would be the case with Arne,” the Celtic boss admitted.

Engels’ season has not been straightforward. The former Augsburg midfielder has had to deal with heavy scrutiny from sections of the support, while also navigating serious transfer interest in January.

Nottingham Forest tested Celtic late in the window with a bid in the region of £25 million. The offer arrived just hours before the deadline, leaving the club with no realistic opportunity to source a replacement.

O’Neill revealed how the situation unfolded behind the scenes.

“He never made an issue,” he said. “It was what it was. The last offer we got, I didn’t realise until Michael Nicholson told me, was three hours before the deadline.

“A lot of players would be chomping at the bit saying ‘I want to go’ because he was going to be earning more money, he was going to be doing a lot of things like that.

“He’s not complained at all.”

Engels now looks set to return after the international break, with O’Neill offering a clear timeline.

“But he’s keen to get back and I think after the international break, he should be ready.”

The timing could hardly be more important.

Celtic face Dundee away before returning to Celtic Park to take on St Mirren. Two fixtures that leave no room for slip-ups if they are to keep pressure on at the top of the table.

Midfield has been a problem area in recent weeks, with a lack of tempo and control costing the side in key moments. Engels’ ability to dictate play and link phases could offer something different at a crucial stage of the season.

For a player who has divided opinion at times, this could be the moment where his importance becomes clearer.

And for Celtic, chasing down a title with little room to manoeuvre, it might just be the boost they need.