Celtic have been handed a significant injury boost today with Marcelo Saracchi named on the bench for the first time since the win over Dundee back in December.
The left-back has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, an absence that placed a heavy burden on Kieran Tierney throughout the festive period and into January.
Tierney was asked to shoulder almost the entire workload on the left side and handled it admirably, playing close to every available minute during a demanding run of fixtures.
On occasion, Liam Scales was also asked to shift across to left-back late in games to help manage minutes.
Saracchi’s return has been carefully managed. He has been back in full training in recent weeks and his inclusion in the matchday squad marks the final step in that recovery process.
There is no expectation that he will be rushed back into the starting line-up, but having him available again gives Celtic an important option at a key point in the season.
The Uruguayan offers something different down the left flank, with his energy and attacking intent providing a contrast in style. Even from the bench, his presence gives the manager another tactical option and helps ease the pressure on Tierney after an intense spell.
Saracchi is currently on loan until the end of the season, and his fitness could yet prove important as Celtic navigate the closing months of the campaign.
Simply having him back involved again will be viewed as a major positive inside the camp.
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