With the returns of Reo Hatate, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Nat Phillips to the fold over the last few weeks, it looks like Celtic are finally over the worst of the injury crisis that plagued the team in the opening stages of this season.
Despite options being depleted, especially at centre-back, Celtic came out of that spell of injuries relatively unscathed, with the only major problems being the exit from the Viaplay Cup in the second round against Kilmarnock and the winless start to the Champions League group stage campaign.
When speaking to the media this week, Brendan Rodgers provided some updates on the players still on the injury list and there were some encouraging quotes to pull from the manager’s media duties.
Maik Nawrocki
The main talking point from Rodgers’ media conference was that Maik Nawrocki is fit and has been training with the team over the last 10 days.
The Pole has been out of action after picking up a knock late on in the aforementioned Viaplay Cup exit at Rugby Park. Given that he was the most expensive signing of the summer transfer window, he could return to the fold this weekend, although Rodgers did not confirm whether or not he’d make the squad.
Such has been the performance levels of Liam Scales in Nawrocki’s absence, the Polish centre-half will need to fight to retain his first-team jersey when he is 100% fit.
Stephen Welsh
The 23-year-old was unlucky to pick up a lengthy injury the same day that he penned a new long-term deal at the club.
The latest update from Rodgers is that he will be back training in two weeks, with a view to returning to the side around December time.
Daizen Maeda
After a positive start to the season, receiving acclaim from the manager for some of his standout performances, Maeda was forced to withdraw from the Japan squad for the most recent international break due to an injury.
Rodgers confirmed that “Daizen’s ok” for this weekend’s trip to Tynecastle to face Hearts, which will provide a massive boost to the club’s chances of coming home with all three points.
Liel Abada
The Israeli was a consistent starter in the opening few weeks of the season, but Celtic have been without Abada since the last international break after he suffered a hamstring injury during a shooting drill in training.
Much like Stephen Welsh, Rodgers stated that the return of Abada will be expected around December time.
Marco Tilio
The Aussie was signed in the summer when he was already nursing an injury, with initial reports suggesting that he would be back in action in early October.
The winger featured briefly for the Celtic B team in friendly action against Ayr United, but he is yet to be seen in action for the first team.
If he is indeed fit, hopefully fans will get the chance to see the highly-rated Aussie in action very soon.
JAMES MCKENZIE // Follow James HERE
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