The fitness of Callum McGregor for Sunday’s Glasgow Derby has become a major talking point as the build-up begins.
John Kennedy remained optimistic about a potential return when he talked to CeltsAreHere after the Livingston win on Sunday, saying he’ll return to training this week before Rodgers would make a decision for the match at Ibrox.
Concerns over McGregor’s readiness for the derby have sparked a debate, with former Celtic striker Chris Sutton cautioning against rushing the influential midfielder back into action if he’s not fully fit.
McGregor’s potential return could indeed bolster Celtic’s midfield, especially with Reo Hatate also making a comeback, but Sutton stresses the importance of McGregor being in peak condition to compete in such a high-stakes match.
Not also that, but you don’t want to risk rushing him back for him to have his season ended with Celtic still competing on two fronts.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “It’s a case of how fit Callum McGregor is. If he’s been sitting on a bike in a gym for five or six weeks, it’s not quite the same as training so how much work he does this week is key.
“Brendan Rodgers will have a decision to make and Celtic are a better team with McGregor in it. But if he’s not fit, or even half-fit, then he can’t play.
“But it’s a big boost for Celtic having Reo Hatate back with him coming through against Livingston, plus Cameron Carter-Vickers too.”
If CalMac doesn’t make it back in time, I’m sure many Celtic fans will be happy to see a midfield trio of Iwata, O’Riley and Hatate, who all played well on Sunday.
