While some of its players have stayed at Lennoxtown rather than leaving to represent their different nations, Celtic is nearing the end of their international break.
The Japanese midfielder Reo Hatate was sidelined for 90 minutes last week when the Samurai Blue defeated North Korea 1-0, but he was unable to travel due to a long-term injury. On the bright side, Daizen Maeda played.
The good news is that Hatate overcame a tough game against St. Mirren to continue his recuperation from a string of injuries that have limited his playing time this season.
Due to a calf/Achilles issue, club captain Callum McGregor has also missed our previous few games; however, a few weeks ago, Brendan Rodgers gave a positive report on his condition.
“The level that he brings the game to is beyond what a lot of our players can do,” the Irishman said. Again, let’s hope we can solve it and that he will be available following the international break.
McGregor has contributed significantly to Celtic’s success this season, with two goals and five assists in 36 games across all competitions [Transfermarkt].
Despite missing out on his most recent group to recover, the 30-year-old will likely be included in Steve Clarke’s Scotland team when they head to Germany for EURO 2024 this summertime.
Neil Lennon drops verdict on Celtic captain Callum McGregor
Since the two had a productive working relationship during McGregor’s second stint at Parkhead, former Celtic manager Neil Lennon is better qualified than most to assess the Irishman’s level of engine room management.
Prior to EURO 2024, the 52-year-old Scotland manager urged Scotland manager Stuart Clarke on PLZ Soccer, stating that space should be found for McGregor to return to the Tartan Army’s midfield for their first game against Germany on June 14.
While talking about Scotland’s depth in the midfield, Lennon also suggested that McGregor might be replaced in the starting lineup by Ryan Christie.
He said, “I need Callum McGregor to play for me in the opening game.” You can still use that during the game, even if he, like Christie, reserves an attacking option for the bench.
The Celtic captain never misses an occasion to mix it up with the footballing in the summer, whether it’s for club or nation.
He will want to end the season strong by spearheading the assault for two trophies at Parkhead before that.
