Martin O’Neill has confirmed that midfielder Arne Engels is the latest Celtic player to pick up a potential injury, adding to the growing list of concerns following the Europa League defeat to Midtjylland.
The Belgian was substituted in the second half and appeared to be struggling with a hamstring issue, compounding the frustration of a difficult night in Denmark.
Celtic were already dealing with the setback of Callum Osmand’s injury, with the teenage forward stretchered off after pulling up during a late sprint. His exit came after winning the penalty for Reo Hatate’s consolation goal, a bright moment that ended in disappointment for the youngster.
Engels’ fitness worry now leaves O’Neill facing a selection headache ahead of Sunday’s crucial Premiership clash with Kilmarnock at Celtic Park. With games coming thick and fast, the manager admitted the schedule is taking a toll on his squad, who have been battling fatigue since their League Cup semi-final win over Rangers.
He said: (TCW), “I think he (Arne Engels) was feeling his hamstring as well, so the games are coming thick and fast for us, playing European football.
“So we just have to dust ourselves down, and get ourselves prepared mentally I should say and physically for Sunday.”
O’Neill’s update highlights how stretched Celtic’s squad is becoming as injuries pile up. Engels has been a key player lately, and his possible absence would leave the manager short of options in midfield.
O’Neill has already spoken about how tough it is to manage both domestic and European games, and Thursday’s defeat showed the strain it’s putting on his players.
The team will now focus on rest and recovery before facing Kilmarnock at Celtic Park, a match that feels even more important after two demanding fixtures in quick succession.
With Osmand expected to miss out and Engels now a doubt, O’Neill will need others to step up as he looks to keep the team focused and get them back to winning form on Sunday.
