Celtic Injury Boost: Kasper Høgh and Kieran Tierney Return to Training Ahead of Old Firm Clash
Celtic have received a major boost on the injury front, with Kasper Høgh and Kieran Tierney returning to training ahead of a crucial period for Martin O’Neill’s side. Both players have been working their way back from injury, and the Celtic manager is hopeful that they can play some part in the upcoming match against St Johnstone.
Høgh has been absent since August 25, while Tierney picked up his injury several days later. Their absence has forced O’Neill to make changes to his starting lineup during recent matches, but their return to training provides encouraging news ahead of Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Rangers.
Speaking about the pair, O’Neill confirmed that Høgh had already been training for several days, while Tierney had recently completed his first work with the team. The manager suggested that Høgh is slightly further ahead in his recovery, although both players could have an opportunity to feature against St Johnstone.
The possibility of Tierney returning is particularly significant for Celtic. The Scotland international has been an important player for the club since returning to Celtic, and his absence has required Liam Scales to cover at left-back. Celtic also brought in Chelsea youngster Landon Emenalo during the transfer window, giving O’Neill another option in that position.
Høgh’s return is equally important for Celtic’s attacking options. The striker has missed recent games, but Camilo Duran has taken advantage of the opportunity and performed impressively in his absence. Duran has scored three goals since being moved into a central attacking role, reducing some of the pressure created by Høgh’s absence.
O’Neill will nevertheless have to decide how much involvement the returning players should have. After spending time on the sidelines, both Høgh and Tierney may need to be carefully managed. The St Johnstone match could therefore provide an opportunity to assess their fitness before the much bigger Old Firm encounter.
The timing of their return is especially encouraging because Celtic are preparing for a meeting with Rangers that carries significant importance. An Old Firm match is always demanding, and having experienced players available could give O’Neill greater tactical flexibility.
Celtic have also recently added several new players to their squad, meaning the manager now has more options to choose from. O’Neill admitted that he is still assessing his strongest starting XI because some of the new arrivals have only recently joined the club. His immediate priority, however, remains winning matches rather than simply giving new signings playing time.
For Celtic supporters, the return of Høgh and Tierney is therefore welcome news. Their involvement against St Johnstone could provide the final indication of whether they are ready for the Old Firm clash.
For now, Celtic will continue to monitor both players closely. If they come through the St Johnstone match without problems, O’Neill could have two important reinforcements available when Celtic face Rangers on Sunday.
