No need for Celtic to rush injured players back into action, they still control title race
COMMENT
The likes of Dedryck Boyata, Stuart Armstrong, Craig Gordon and Leigh Griffiths are all expected to miss Celtic’s visit to Ibrox on Sunday, for what has been called a potential title decider.
While naturally Brendan Rodgers would love to have the players available for the match, he shouldn’t risk the long-term fitness of the players involved just for one game.
For example, Stuart Armstrong is back in training, and it would be a massive boost for the Bhoys if the midfield man recovered in time to be involved against Rangers. However, if he doesn’t feel able to influence the game due to not being fully fit then he should stay on the sidelines.
The Hoops will still be top of the league – with a game in hand – no matter the result on Sunday, they will still control the destination of the title race.
The Hoops boss will feel that the squad which he has available – which has seen the likes of Tom Rogic, Patrick Roberts and Marvin Compper be added to it in recent weeks – will be good enough to get the desired result at Ibrox.
A more realistic objective would be to try and get the injured players fit in time for next month’s Scottish Cup semi-final, where the Hoops’ dreams of a second consecutive domestic treble will be on the line.
In other Celtic news, John Collins has been impressed with Rangers’ recent form ahead of the Old Firm derby
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