BRENDAN RODGERS is optimistic Stuart Armstrong will be back in training in just over a week’s time.
The Scotland international midfielder successfully underwent an operation for a hernia problem on Tuesday in Munich.
Armstrong now faces a race to be fit in time to line up for Celtic in their two-legged Europa League confrontation with Zenit St Petersburg next month.
Rodgers said: “He should be back training in 10 days. We’ve gone for the best treatment possible.
“He was playing with the problem and it just got worse and worse so best to operate now.”
Rodgers also knocked back suggestions centre-back Jozo Simunovic, who was dropped for the last four games of 2017, was wanted by Italian outfit Lazio.
He added: “There are no offers, there is nothing. That’s the same for every player.”
Meanwhile, Leigh Griffiths did not train yesterday at Lennoxtown and is a doubt for Saturday’s Scottish Cup-tie against Brechin City at Parkhead.
Rodgers added: “He twisted his ankle a bit, so we’ll see how he is over the next couple of days.”
NEW CQN PODCAST OUT NOW FEATURING TOMMY SHERIDAN
A Celtic State of Mind presents its 30th instalment of insightful discussion around the culture of Celtic Football Club, the city of Glasgow, and fans of the reigning treble-winning Scottish champions.
Kevin Graham is joined by Scotty Alcroft to interview Scottish pro-independence politician, Tommy Sheridan, at The Penalty Spot in Glasgow.
The interview took place as part of A Celtic State of Mind’s first live event – Five-a-sides at The Penalty Spot – and, as such, there is some background noise (including mobile interference – apologies) from the audience.
The other voice you may hear throughout this episode is that of former Celtic striker, Frank McGarvey, who is a friend of Tommy’s, and who was also interviewed separately that day for a future show.
You are sure to enjoy Tommy’s eclectic input, as he discusses everything from Catalan independence to Coolio, with a constant undercurrent of that thing called Celtic.
Order Jim Craig’s new Lisbon Lion Diary – Right Back to 67 from CQNBookstore.co.uk and you will receive a signed copy from the man himself plus a FREE copy of That Season in Paradise – Ten Months of Celtic Heaven signed by fellow Lisbon Lion Bertie Auld! Simply order Jim Craig – Right Back to 67 and the second book will be sent automatically. Stocks are running very low so hurry!
