Brendan Rodgers has provided an update on the return of Celtic defender Liam Scales, who has been sidelined since suffering a facial injury during the Hoops’ 5-2 win over St Mirren on March 1st.
Scales’ injury left a significant gap in Celtic’s defence, with Maik Nawrocki stepping up to start the last two games. Additionally, Auston Trusty made his return to the bench during Saturday’s 3-0 victory against Hearts on Saturday, offering a further defensive option for Rodgers.
Despite the positive news of Scales’ recovery, Rodgers confirmed that the Irishman won’t quite be ready for this weekend’s match against St Johnstone. However, he reassured fans that Scales is back in training and is once again in close contact with the first team.
Rodgers said: (Celtic TV), “We’ve got Liam Scales back now—he won’t be ready for this weekend, but he’s back in training and in contact with the team.”
Rodgers went on to add that the club expects Scales to be available for the following week, against Kilmarnock.
He said: “We expect him to be available leading into the Kilmarnock game. We’re starting to get players back and have a really strong squad again.”
With Scales’ return on the horizon, Celtic fans will be hopeful that the Irishman can regain his sharpness quickly and offer further depth to the back four, especially with the league title still to be won and the Scottish Cup semi-final still to play. The Hoops’ defence has had good moments and bad in his absence, and Scales will be keen to stake his claim for a regular spot in the starting XI once he is fully fit.
As Rodgers pointed out, having a full-strength squad will be vital as the Hoops look to end the season in style after a lacklustre defeat to Rangers before the international break.
