Brendan Rodgers has provided a small boost for Celtic fans after confirming that injuries to Alistair Johnston and Kelechi Iheanacho are not as serious as first feared.
The result in Gorgie piled more pressure on Rodgers and his squad, leaving Celtic eight points behind Hearts at the top of the Premiership table. The performance was flat and full of errors, with the absence of key players once again evident. Johnston’s reliability at right-back and Iheanacho’s experience up front have both been missed in recent weeks.
While neither is expected to return immediately, Rodgers’ update suggests both could be back in action within a few weeks rather than months. The manager confirmed that the pair would miss Wednesday’s home game against Falkirk but insisted the medical news was “encouraging.”
With an important run of fixtures ahead, including next Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers, any sign of progress on the injury front will be welcome. Celtic’s squad has been stretched thin in recent weeks, forcing Rodgers to rely on several younger players in key positions.
He said: (TCW), “Alistair and Kelechi are probably not as serious as we first thought, but I’m not sure they’ll make Wednesday.
“So they’ll definitely be a few weeks.”
Rodgers’ comments suggest both players could return to training before the next international break, easing some of the strain on a Celtic side struggling for rhythm. Johnston’s leadership and defensive solidity have been sorely missed since his latest hamstring setback, while Iheanacho’s absence has left a noticeable gap in attack.
The timing of their recovery will be crucial as Celtic look to steady their season. With key games piling up, the Irishman will need all the experience he can get to rebuild confidence and consistency in the group.
Celtic’s recent run of form has raised questions about depth and resilience, but the prospect of two senior players returning offers a rare positive for Rodgers after a difficult few weeks.
If the recovery process continues smoothly, both could play a part before the end of November, a much-needed boost as Celtic look to fight their way back into contention on all fronts.
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Both Colby Donovan and Dane Murray didn’t help him out at all today. It’s all gone so terribly flat, no spark today, not much at all to shout about, apart from Shin looking a useful player.
It must be time for a change of management. Brendan has to go now; it’s all going terribly wrong.
If at all possible, it must be time for Ange to come back.
We have to remember he’s been through the wringer of late, but if he’s up for it, get him in before the January transfer window.