Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers Has Provided an Update on Paulo Bernardo’s Injury Sustained Against Raith Rovers on Saturday in the Scottish Cup, with the Midfielder Missing from the Squad against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
Bernardo was substituted before half-time against Barry Robson’s side. However, despite Rodgers being optimistic that Bernardo could be fit for Wednesday’s game, that did not materialise, and Bernardo’s injury setback has seemingly taken a negative turn.
Rodgers revealed at this afternoon’s pre-match press conference when he expects Bernardo to be back, and it’s safe to say the time frame has shifted dramatically in the space of just six days.
He said: (RecordSport), “Paulo has got his ankle in a boot. So, yeah, so he’ll be maybe four or five weeks.
“Paolo’s obviously done great for us this season and what we’ve tried to do with all the players is try and show we keep them fit by rotating and maximising the whole squad.
“Obviously, sadly, he’s out for another little while. But like you say, we’ve still got good numbers in that position. With so many games, it’s needed.”
It’s not the ideal update on Bernardo, as he is a great option to have off the bench or to start games when needed, but he will be now out for an extended period.
With Callum McGregor, Arne Engels, Reo Hatate, and Luke McCowan all in the midfield area, there are options, but without Bernardo for the time being, the squad depth is undoubtedly weaker.
With seven games over the next five weeks, Rodgers will have to manage the midfield with a heavy fixture schedule, ending with the Glasgow derby on March 16th at Celtic Park before the international break.
