Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that captain Callum McGregor could make a surprise return for the derby against Rangers this evening.
The 28-year-old fractured a cheekbone in the win over Alloa Athletic in the Scottish Cup last month, and there were concerns he could be out for a number of weeks. However, Postecoglou says McGregor may be in contention to feature:
“McGregor has a chance. He wants to play, but he wants to be at his best when he plays. We are really pleased with his recovery. I will have a discussion with him tomorrow and go through everything with him, if he feels OK we will include him, otherwise there is a game on the weekend.”
McGregor’s inclusion in the squad would be a massive boost for the Hoops and fans on Twitter are betting on the club’s talisman playing tonight:
He's playing I'd say
— Harkie (@Harkie_no1) February 1, 2022
— AM 🏴 (@annemarie6377) February 1, 2022
Always on cards 👏
— Stiv1888 (@StivWilliams87) February 1, 2022
Put your mortgage on it 👍
— BobCrilly (@BobCrilly2) February 1, 2022
Surely if he trains, he plays?
— David Ferguson (@DaveIsArch) February 1, 2022
Phantom of the Opera. 🎭
— Scott Byrne (@ScottByrne81) February 1, 2022
He will play with one of these on …
This is the way… pic.twitter.com/eNGDvnb9eP
— Fraser Nicholson 💙 (he, him) (@Frasern1) February 1, 2022
Callum fights for the cause, no way he was missing it
— Green and white brigade (@__LG90__) February 1, 2022
No surprise for me! Always going to play
— 🤝PaulS 🤝 (@PaulStewart1988) February 1, 2022
Not a surprise. I've always expected him to turn out. 😁👊 pic.twitter.com/iCFiMqMM1Q
— Viva La Quinta Abada (@Che_Ntcham) February 1, 2022
As some supporters have pointed out, McGregor would probably have to wear a protective mask in order to ensure he doesn’t do any more damage but, other than that, there is no reason why he can’t feature if he feels comfortable playing.
With Nir Bitton suspended after his sending off against Dundee United, Celtic could do with having McGregor’s experience and leadership in the middle of the park.
