Celtic To Hold Back Callum McGregor For Rangers Clash, Skipping Livingston Game

In a strategic move to ensure player welfare, Celtic's manager Brendan Rodgers has announced that captain Callum McGregor will not participate in the upcoming cinch Premiership match against Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Arena. The decision comes as McGregor continues his recovery from Achilles pain, sidelining him since February 28. Rodgers emphasized the importance of not rushing McGregor back into play, especially on Livingston's artificial surface, hinting at a potential return against Rangers following this precautionary rest.

Despite McGregor's absence, Celtic anticipates the return of several key players. Reo Hatate is poised to rejoin the squad after overcoming a series of injuries that limited his playtime since October. Similarly, Cameron Carter-Vickers is expected to make his comeback after missing out on international duty with the United States due to hamstring issues. However, Celtic may face Rangers without wingers Yang Hyun-jun and Luis Palma, both dealing with fitness concerns.

Rodgers shared his optimism about Hatate's condition, noting his diligent effort in regaining fitness and his participation in a bounce game during the break. This development is a positive sign for Celtic as they navigate the latter stages of the season.

The manager also acknowledged the challenges posed by artificial pitches, such as the one at Livingston, especially following an international break that saw players traveling extensively. Rodgers expressed hope for future improvements in pitch quality to enhance the game for players and fans alike but recognized the current necessity of adapting team selection and strategy to safeguard player health.

This cautious approach underscores Celtic's commitment to player welfare while maintaining competitive performance in the league. As Celtic prepares for its upcoming fixtures, the focus remains on balancing immediate match demands with long-term player health and team success.