DAVID TURNBULL could kick his first ball of 2022 against Ross County in the crucial Premiership encounter at Parkhead tomorrow afternoon.
The Scotland international has been out of action since limping off in the 27th minute of the 2-1 Premier Sports League Cup Final triumph over Hibs at Hampden on December 19.
However, Kyogo Furuhashi, who scored the Hoops goals that day as Ange Postecoglou’s men claimed the first domestic silverware of the season, is out although the manager admitted he could be available soon.
Like Turnbull, the Japan international striker has not featured since the turn of the year after goig off with a hamstring problem in the 3-1 win over St Johnstone in Perth on Boxing Day.
Looking at the 22-year-old midfielder, Postecoglou said: “He’ll be important for us. He was fantastic for us first half of the year.
“He’s a quality player, he’s a goal threat, he’s good on set-pieces and I think he adds something to our team
“He’s trained the last 10 days and worked hard in rehab. I know he’s itching to get back out there. Watching him train, he’s ready to go.”
ON THE BALL…Kyogo Furuhashi is working hard in rehab in his efforts to return to action.
Asked about Kyogo’s comeback chances, Postecoglou, speaking to the Daily Record, answered: “Not sure, we’ll just wait and see. If you go by timelines, Dave got injured before Kyogo, so you can read into that what you like.
“Without putting any sort of timeframes on it, he’s working through his rehab and I’m sure he’ll be available soon.”
Wingers Liel Abada and Filipe Jota, who were missing from the squad that beat Dundee United 3-0 in the Scottish Cup quarter-final on Monday night, are both back in contention.
James Forrest, though, sustained a knock at Tannadice and will be rested for the match against Malky Mackay’s in-form Dingwall team.
A win over their Highland visitors will see the Hoops go six points clear of their nearest challengers who play Dundee at Dens Park 24 hours later.
