Auston Trusty looks set to be available for Celtic this weekend after returning to training at Lennoxtown, easing concerns following his recent issue on international duty.
The defender went down late on while playing for the United States during the March break, coming off in the closing stages of their match against Portugal. Given the timing and the nature of the incident, it raised immediate questions.
Trusty pulled up after chasing a loose ball, with no contact involved, and was taken off straight away. In those moments, it often points to something more serious, especially with the amount of football he’s played this season.
Instead, it was confirmed as cramp, affecting both legs. That fits with the situation. Heavy minutes, and the demands of international football can catch up late in games.
He said: (Daily Record), “No, I think there was talk about Auston Trusty, but I think he’s going to be okay.”
O’Neill then provided further insight to Sky Sports, saying: “But Auston didn’t do that much today. He just travelled back, but he is fine.”
That update keeps things simple. There’s no sign of a setback and no indication of anything beyond what was first reported.
That matters for Celtic right now. With Araujo out and Johnston only just getting back, the defence doesn’t have much depth to deal with another issue.
Trusty has been a regular, taking on plenty of minutes and adapting to different partners at the back. Taking him out would have meant another change in a position that has already seen a lot of it.
Instead, he looks ready to carry on.
The focus now shifts to Sunday. With Trusty back training and expected to be fine, Celtic avoid another disruption in a defensive line that has already been tested in recent weeks.
