Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that he expects midfielder James McCarthy to return to the squad this weekend against Ross County.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the 56-year old confirmed that the Irishman will be available for selection after a good week of training with the squad.
When asked about availability, Ange said, “McCarthy, yes. He’s trained well this week and is available.”
Postecoglou also gave an update on the latest with James Forrest, confirming he is on his way back but will not make Saturday’s return to League action.
“James Forrest, probably not (available) tomorrow. (He’s) training, but we will probably give him a few more days.
“Just minor knocks for both of them. James (Forrest) copped it in the game, I can’t even remember when it was now, but the last game he would have played.
“Same with McCarthy, just minor things. To be fair, both of them have had disrupted pre-seasons. James (Forrest) came in a bit later, and so did James McCarthy.
“We’re probably just being a bit cautious with him, but both look like, certainly, McCarthy is ready to go, and I don’t think Forrest is too far away.”
After already losing Kyogo Furuhashi to injury this week, this injury news will likely come as a boost to Ange Postecoglou, with two of the more experienced faces in the squad being available once again.
In the run of games we have ahead, they will play key parts in some tough fixtures both domestically and on the European stage.
Especially McCarthy, who could have a key role in the middle of the park with our slight lack of numbers in that area of the park at this time.
Hopefully, they can start to put the injury worries behind us now and start a consistent run of minutes in the team and squad.
