Callum McGregor misses Celtic’s Scottish Cup clash with Rangers at Ibrox after suffering what appears to be a recurrence of a calf injury that troubled him last season.
The Celtic captain was absent from the starting line-up and the bench for the derby. His absence was immediately noticeable given how central he usually is to the way Celtic play. McGregor normally drops deep to collect the ball from defence and control the tempo in midfield.
Premier Sports presenter Emma Dodds revealed that the problem may be linked to an issue the midfielder dealt with during the previous campaign. McGregor missed matches late last season with a calf complaint, including a derby during that spell.
Martin O’Neill revealed that the midfielder was struggling after Celtic’s midweek win over Aberdeen. McGregor completed the match but appeared uncomfortable toward the end of the game.
O’Neill said: (BBC Sport), “He was feeling pretty sore by the end of the Aberdeen game and he’s just not recovered in time.“
With Dodds adding: (Premier Sports), “We’re hearing its a recurrence of an injury he had last season, but we’re not yet aware whether or not it’ll be long-term.”
McGregor’s absence changes the balance of Celtic’s midfield. The captain usually acts as the link between defence and attack, taking the ball in tight spaces and keeping possession moving when matches become tense.
Without him, Celtic rely more heavily on players such as Reo Hatate and Luke McCowan to move the ball forward. Both offer energy and forward passing, though neither naturally plays the same holding role McGregor fills.
The timing is awkward for Celtic. The title run-in is rapidly approaching and the Scottish Cup remains a route to silverware. Losing the captain, even temporarily, removes a steady presence from the centre of the pitch.
For now, the focus will be on how serious the injury proves to be. The early message suggests caution rather than panic.
Celtic will hope the issue settles quickly. McGregor’s influence on the side remains clear every time he is missing from the team sheet.
