Brendan Rodgers will have one or two big calls to make tonight as Celtic host Dundee at Parkhead.
The champions returned to the Premiership summit on Sunday with a comfortable 3-0 away win against Motherwell after Aberdeen had briefly leapfrogged them into top spot after narrowly defeating Dundee United. In the days leading up to their trip to Fir Park, Celtic were rocked with the news that skipper Callum McGregor would be missing the game after suffering an abductor injury in training.
However the midfielder has now returned to training ahead of the visit of Dundee, who are looking to make amends for their 7-1 hammering at the hands of the Hoops in the corresponding fixture last season. One man who won’t feature against the Dee is striker Adam Idah. The Republic of Ireland international was on the end of a heavy challenge by Motherwell’s Liam Goron on Sunday, with VAR intervening to hand him a straight red card.
Rodgers admitted on Tuesday that they are waiting to learn the full extent of Ida’s injury but is hopeful the forward will be available for Saturday’s Premier Sports Cup semi final meeting with Aberdeen. The former Liverpool and Leicester boss may also look to freshen his side up in other areas with a chance to seal a place in the first cup final of the season just around the corner.
Summer arrival Luke McCowan marked his first start for the club with a fine finish in the win against the Steelmen, and could retain his place against his former side. Nicolas Kuhn and James Forrest both continue to vie for the right wing spot, although the fact that German Kuhn only played the last 23 minutes of Sunday’s victory suggests he is likely to be handed a recall.
Predicted Celtic XI
Barcelona loanee Alex Valle has raised his performance levels after a testing start in Glasgow’s east end and is likely to retain his place ahead of fit-again Greg Taylor. Cameron Carter Vickers is also back in action after another frustrating period on the sidelines but may sit out tonight’s game with compatriot Austin Trusty likely to partner Liam Scales once again.
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