Celtic Stunned as Injury Crisis Deepens Ahead of Crucial Fixtures
Celtic’s preparations for a vital stretch of the season have taken a significant blow as the club grapples with an escalating injury crisis. Key players, including defensive stalwart Alistair Johnston and influential midfielder Reo Hatate, are major doubts for upcoming matches, leaving manager Brendan Rodgers with limited options in critical areas.
Johnston, hailed as a potential future captain, picked up a knock while on international duty, and despite ongoing assessments, his availability for Celtic’s next match remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Hatate, who has struggled for form this season, is reportedly dealing with a fitness issue that could see him miss the chance to regain his place in the starting XI.
Adding to the concerns, new signings Luke McCowan and Morgan Cross are still adapting to Rodgers’ tactical demands, and their integration could be hindered by the lack of cohesion caused by injuries to more experienced teammates. Furthermore, Kasper Schmeichel, who has kept a perfect clean sheet record in the league so far, now faces an overburdened backline that could expose the defense in the high-stakes Champions League opener against Borussia Dortmund next week.
This mounting adversity has left fans worried about the team’s ability to maintain its unbeaten domestic run and compete on the European stage. The timing couldn’t be worse, as Celtic face a challenging schedule that includes matches against Hearts and RB Leipzig within the next fortnight.
Rodgers, known for his tactical acumen, remained cautiously optimistic but admitted the situation is far from ideal. “We’ve got a fantastic squad, but losing key players in quick succession is always a challenge. It’s about how we respond now,” he told reporters.
As Celtic’s ambitions for a successful season hang in the balance, supporters are left hoping the squad’s depth and resilience can weather this storm.