Arne Engels has been named on the Celtic bench for this afternoon’s clash with St Mirren, marking a step forward after his recent spell on the sidelines.
The midfielder has not featured since February after picking up an injury that disrupted his run in the side. In his absence, Celtic have had to adjust in the middle of the park, often missing his ability to carry the ball and link play.
His return to the matchday squad comes after a full week back on the training pitch. There had been little update following the Dundee game, but his involvement today suggests he has come through that period without any issues.
It does not mean an immediate return to the starting side. O’Neill has opted to bring him back gradually, with a place on the bench giving him the option to introduce him when needed.
O’Neill had spoken about Engels’ progress yesterday ahead of the match, outlining where the midfielder was in his recovery.
He said: (TCW), “(Arne) Engels has trained. I’m hoping that he’ll come through that. He’s trained all this week.
“He’s had no reaction at this minute, so I’m hoping he’ll come into the squad (vs St Mirren) – whether he’ll start or not I don’t know.”
That caution makes sense given the stage of the season. Celtic have a run of games ahead, including another meeting with St Mirren next week, and there is no need to rush a player back too quickly.
Even so, his presence changes things. In games where the tempo drops, Engels offers a way to move the ball through midfield with more urgency. He is comfortable receiving under pressure and can carry it into space when openings appear.
Against a side like St Mirren, that can be useful. If the game becomes tight and space is limited, having someone who can break lines with a pass or a run gives Celtic another route forward.
For now, it is about minutes. Getting him back involved, even for a short spell, builds towards the games that follow.
After weeks out, simply being back in the squad is a step forward.
