Celtic need every available boost to secure fifth consecutive title
[BBC] As the Scottish Premiership returns this weekend with a trip to Dundee at Dens Park, one question looms large for Celtic supporters - who will be available for the run-in? We already know long-term absentees Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers will play no part in the remaining fixtures. Both have been sorely missed - albeit in very different ways.
Carter-Vickers has been the cornerstone of Celtic's defence since arriving in the summer of 2021. His absence has left a void that's been impossible to fill consistently, with a revolving cast of replacements unable to replicate his authority and stability. Jota, meanwhile, is the spark Celtic have lacked in the final third.
Whether through goals, assists or moments of pure invention, his ability to change any given game at any given moment has been badly missed. Having turned 27 just this week, there remains real hope that his best days in a Celtic shirt still lie ahead as he continues to work his way back from an ACL injury. In the shorter term, however, there is cause for optimism in terms of others returning.
The trio of Arne Engels, Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand have all been pencilled in for a potential April return. And, if, and when they're declared fit, each could make an immediate and meaningful impact on Celtic's title charge. Engels would bring much-needed athleticism and physicality to the midfield, along with a genuine threat from set pieces - something Celtic have lacked.
Johnston's return would restore not just quality at right-back but also leadership, aggression and personality - traits that have been missing across the side in recent months. Osmand, though, is perhaps the most intriguing case. With just three appearances to his name (a question for Brendan Rodgers?