Celtic have missed Arne Engels in their midfield since he picked up his injury against Livingston last month.
He was forced off, and Martin O’Neill later admitted he’d be out for a few months with a thigh issue.
He was back in training on Friday, it looked like. It did come as a surprise to have him back so soon.
But fans shouldn’t get their hopes up.
The midfielder is heading back to Belgium to see a specialist and won’t feature for Celtic this weekend or on their trip to Dundee United next weekend.
Despite being back on the training pitch at Lennoxtown, Martin O’Neill confirmed he’d be heading back to Belgium as he continues to recover:
“He’s [Engels] doing fine,” O’Neill revealed to the Herald. “He’s here at this minute, but he’s going back. I think there’s a place there, back in Belgium, that he can go to.
“He’s had a few days at home as well. I think there was a day during the course of the free week we have, instead of him going back on Thursday, I’ve allowed him to go back on Tuesday.
“He will be doing work there, hopefully not just lazing around at home. He should be back, he really should be back after the international break.”
He’s been a big miss in that midfield, but Reo Hatate has stepped up in recent weeks.
The Hoops will be without Callum McGregor this week, who is still struggling with a calf strain.
Arne Engels would’ve been the perfect fit to drop into his position.
The midfield three could look like it did at Ibrox last weekend, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could come into it if the coaching staff believe he is fitter.
It’s a massive game against Motherwell, and three points are a must.
Keep Reading
