Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Fri 3 April 2026 16:00, UK

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Arne Engels has been backed to return to the starting XI ahead of Celtic’s trip to Dundee on Sunday.

The match is no doubt a must-win for Martin O’Neill after losing to Dundee United before the international break.

This defeat put the club in a precarious position regarding the title race, and if another follows, the Hoops may be ruled out altogether.

Therefore, the manager may need to take a risk with his lineup, and Engels could be placed straight back into the starting XI at Dens Park.

Below, Football Insider has explored who O’Neil could start in his crucial Celtic clash.

Arne Engels to return to Celtic after injury vs Dundee

Engels has been out of action for the Hoops since mid-February after suffering from an issue with his thigh.

However, the midfielder should be back after the international break, and O’Neill has to add him straight back into the lineup.

At Dens Park, the backline is expected to remain the same, with Viljami Sinisalo in goal, Kieran Tierney and Colby Donovan as the full-backs and Liam Scales and Benjamin Arthur partnered in the centre.

Into midfield, Engels comes in for Callum McGregor, and he will partner Reo Hatate in the middle.

Benjamin Nygren will keep his spot as the attacking midfielder, alongside Yang Hyun-Jun and Daizen Maeda on the wings.

Up top, Kelechi Iheanacho comes out of the starting XI after his poor performance against Dundee United for Tomas Cvancara.

Celtic need victory to help cement Champions League football ambitions

Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Champions League football is vital to Celtic if they are to afford a complete overhaul of the squad.

As it stands, they are currently on track to miss out, sitting third in the division.

Further quality is no doubt needed in Celtic’s squad if they are to stand any chance of dominating Scottish football in the coming years.

However, there is every chance that they can reclaim their second-place spot on Sunday if they win and Rangers lose to Dundee United on Saturday.

Nevertheless, only time will tell if they are able to achieve this, or if their defeat to Dundee United will really come back to haunt them come the end of the season.