Long-term issue with Callum McGregor the last thing Celtic needs

Understandably enough, I suppose, when you think about the fact he has missed the past four games now without starting or coming off the sidelines, to then be thrown into the cauldron of an atmosphere at that moment. It’s not that one instance that is the worry however; it’s the unimaginable thought of McGregor having to carry a long-term issue with his body.

Cameron Carter-Vickers had to go through surgery at the end of the last campaign and it’s hampered him – and us too it has to be said – as a result. We’ve suffered this season as too many key players have been missing either all at once or at various times throughout the duration of the year.

At times it has been enough to make you wince on the injury front and with Hatate being missing for mostly the full season too, the concept of losing the captain doesn’t bare thinking about in all honesty.

Celtic struggled to bring the ball out from the back in a cohesive manner for sustained periods when we faced our foe in Govan last weekend. It’s no coincidence that Calmac was not about to help play that quarter-back role, where he looks to dictate the tempo and rhythm of the play from deep and bring the more attacking members of our team into play, getting us further up the pitch in the process and giving the defence a breather.

We still have some mammoth games to go in this title race and if anybody thinks it was cut and dried just because we’ve been to Ibrox now – think again. If it turns out McGregor is carrying an injury and that he either won’t be back to his physical state pre-achilles problem, or worse; he won’t manage to play again this season due to surgery being required or just fatigue, those last games could be challenging.

We best pray he makes a speedy and swift recovery…

Everything Simon Jordan had to say as he calls out theRangers can be read on this article on Celtic Shorts…