CROCKED Celtic captain Callum McGregor is out for the next TEN games – at least.
Ange Postecoglou has confirmed the inspirational midfielder, who sustained a knee injury in the 3-1 Champions League loss in Leipzig in midweek, would be out of action until after the World Cup Finals which conclude with the showpiece encounter in Qatar on December 18.
McGregor was forced off before the interval in Germany and was sent to see a specialist yesterday.
Anxious Postecoglou’s worst fears have been realised with the scan indicating the 29-year-old Scotland international will be sidelined for at least two months.
The Hoops boss, speaking to Sky Sports, admitted: “The initial report suggest he’ll probably be out until after the World Cup break at this stage.
AGONY…Callum McGregor winces in pain as he clashes with Kevin Kampl.
“We’ve got the final report to come, but it looks like he’ll miss the next three or four weeks, which will put him out until after the break.
“We went through a period last year where he was missing, and nothing really changes for us. It’s about sticking to our team principles, he’s a massive loss on and off the field, but just like any other club – we just have to deal with it.”
On-loan Dane Oliver Abildgaard replaced the skipper in Germany, but was among the stand-by squad for today’s match at St Johnstone.
CELTICS NEXT TEN GAMES
RB Leipzig (H) – Tuesday, October 11 (Champions League)
Hibs (H) – Saturday, October 15
Motherwell (A) – Wednesday, October 19 (Premier Sports League Cup)
Hearts (A) – Saturday, October 22
Shakhtar Donetsk (H) – Tuesday, October 25 (Champions League)
Livingston (A) – Sunday, October 30
Real Madrid (A) – Wednesday, November 2 (Champions League)
Dundee United (H) – Saturday, November 5
Motherwell (A) – Wednesday, November 9
Ross County (H) – Saturday, November 12
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report and best action images from St Johnstone v Celtic this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
