BRENDAN RODGERS has confirmed an injury boost ahead of Celtic’s Saturday trip to Motherwell. The Irishman revealed Liverpool loan man Nat Phillips should be fit and available for selection after getting over the worst of an ankle injury.
Nat has only played 45 minutes for Celtic so far since coming in at the end of the window. Ironically, the defender was brought in to help with Celtic’s defensive injury crisis and has found himself on the treatment table.
In his absence, Liam Scales and Gustaf Lagerbielke have been partnering at the back. It didn’t work out too well in Rotterdam for Lagerbielke who was sent off during the Champions League tie. While it’s a boost for the weekend that Nat is back in contention, it’s bigger news for the Lazio game. With Gus being suspended for the visit of Lazio, Phillips will be needed at the heart of the defence.
“He’s rejoined the group, we just have to watch with his ankle but it’s much better,” Brendan told CelticTV.
Asked if he would be available for the Lazio game Rodgers replied: “Hopefully, he’ll be good for the weekend”
Celtic really need to get points on the board during the game against the Italians to show their own credentials in this group. It’s not going to be an easy tie.
Before then, Motherwell will present a stern test for the bhoys, the Steelmen have been one of the in-form teams since the beginning of the season.
I don’t think this is particularly great or welcoming news. Nat Phillips played 45 minutes for Celtic and looked extremely rusty. There’s no way he has shaken off months of inactivity to suddenly be first choice in Celtic’s defesive line up against Motherwell, much less Lazio. I was glad when he went off after his inaugral 45 minutes, he couldn’t make a decent pass.
Who else will play CH against Lazio?
We need to get the minutes into his legs before that game