Arne Engels could yet return to the Celtic squad this weekend, but Martin O’Neill is keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of the trip to Dens Park.
The midfielder has been out since limping off against Livingston on February 11, and his absence has been felt. Celtic have had control in games at times, but that extra drive from midfield has been missing.
Engels brings movement and energy through the middle. He links play quickly and gets into forward areas, which has been lacking in recent weeks. Without that, attacks have slowed and become easier to deal with.
Now, after weeks out, he’s back training. That alone gives Celtic another option going into a game where they’ll expect to have most of the ball but still need to find a way through.
O’Neill, though, isn’t committing either way on whether he’ll be involved.
He said: (Daily Record), “Arne has come back now. We’ll see.
“Every day is a good day for him. He’s trained most of the week.
“I couldn’t rule him in or out for Sunday.”
The decision will likely come down to how much he can give. Starting is one thing, but even having him on the bench changes the options. Late in games, that kind of energy can shift things.
Dundee will make it tight. They’ll sit in, close space, and look to make it physical. That’s where players like Engels can help, moving the ball quicker and finding gaps before the game slows down.
Celtic don’t need him rushed, but they do need him back. Whether that starts this weekend or comes shortly after, he’s getting closer to being involved again.
