Callum McGregor will not feature for Celtic against Motherwell this weekend.
The Hoops captain had already raised concern earlier in the week after missing training at Lennoxtown, and now the manager has confirmed the midfielder will sit out the upcoming fixture.
Injury confirmed after training concerns
McGregor’s absence from sessions had already sparked speculation about his availability for the match at Celtic Park.
Now that uncertainty has been cleared up.
Martin O’Neill has confirmed the midfielder is dealing with a calf strain, which will rule him out of the clash with Motherwell.
Why McGregor’s absence matters
When McGregor plays, Celtic’s midfield often revolves around him.
He regularly drops deep to collect the ball from the defence before helping move it forward into attacking areas.
That role allows Celtic to control the rhythm of matches and stretch opposition teams across the pitch.
Without him in the side, someone else must step in to take responsibility for setting the tempo.
The position is not just about passing, either.
The player operating there must also read danger quickly when possession changes and close down the space in front of the centre-backs.
O’Neill provides injury update
Speaking about the situation, O’Neill was quick to clarify the nature of McGregor’s injury — and dismissed suggestions it was related to a previous issue.
He said: (The Herald), “Callum will miss the game.
“It’s a calf strain. My physio mentiond this to me this morning. I think there’s rumours flying around that that’s what it was. It’s got nothing to do with that (last season). That was an Achilles injury, this is just a calf thing.
“I’m hopeful, pretty hopeful. He’s done very well in his recovery and we’d be hopeful for maybe next week.”
Possible return already on the horizon
Despite the setback, the early signs appear encouraging.
O’Neill sounded optimistic that McGregor’s recovery is already progressing well, suggesting the midfielder may not be sidelined for long.
That raises the possibility of a return in Celtic’s next league fixture.
The Hoops are scheduled to face Dundee United next Sunday, giving the captain another week to build back up to full fitness.
Celtic must adjust in the meantime
For now, however, Celtic will have to find a solution in midfield without their captain.
Other players will need to step into the deeper role and take responsibility for moving the ball forward from defence.
McGregor’s influence often becomes most obvious when he is not on the pitch.
His calmness under pressure and ability to turn play quickly allows Celtic to maintain control during matches.
If the recovery continues as hoped, though, the captain’s absence may prove to be only a short one.