It’s no secret that Celtic have faced significant injury troubles in recent years, yet they’ve continued to produce results regardless. Even with key players missing, Brendan Rodgers’ side has remained competitive and consistent.
As the 2024/25 season gets underway, Celtic have made a strong start, opening up a five-point lead over Rangers in the league after a commanding 3-0 victory in the Glasgow Derby. The margin of victory could have been even wider, such was their dominance.
However, as impressive as Celtic’s form has been, fitness concerns continue to linger. Rodgers now faces potential headaches over the health of two key players, James Forrest and Greg Taylor, both of whom featured in the win over Rangers but have since withdrawn from the Scotland squad.
The reasons behind their withdrawals were initially unclear, but it now appears they are related to fitness concerns.
According to The Scotsman, Scotland manager Steve Clarke confirmed that both Forrest and Taylor pulled out of the national team camp due to injuries picked up during the Derby. Clarke explained:
“The club informed us on Saturday morning that he’d [Che Adams] picked up a knock in the game.
“The conversation we then had with Che is: Does he come across to be assessed and sent back to Italy? There was no point. So that’s why he misses out. By the same token, the two boys from Celtic who played at the weekend (v Rangers) came in on Sunday night, got assessed by our medics and were sent home. It’s easy because they’re in Glasgow. So no big drama on that one.”
At this stage, the extent of Taylor and Forrest’s injuries remains unclear. There was no immediate concern raised after the Derby, suggesting the issues may not be severe, but their condition will be monitored closely in the coming days.
Taylor remains Celtic’s first-choice left-back and has been performing at a consistently high level, even if he doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves. His presence is crucial as the season progresses.
Meanwhile, Forrest has experienced something of a resurgence under Rodgers. While he may no longer be the automatic starter he once was, his contribution has grown again, offering experience and versatility. His return to form is a pleasant surprise for many Celtic fans.
Rodgers will be hoping that both players recover swiftly, as their depth and experience are vital to Celtic’s ambitions this season.