Martin O’Neill delivers major Celtic injury update ahead of Dundee opener | OneFootball

Martin O’Neill says Celtic expect to have almost their full squad available again in the coming days as the club welcomes back its players following their involvement at this summer’s World Cup.

Seven members of the Hoops squad were away on international duty across the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with several only recently returning to Lennoxtown.

Kieran Tierney, Anthony Ralston and Sebastian Tounekti all made appearances in Saturday’s pre-season draw with AC Milan after their nations exited at the group stage, while those who progressed further have yet to feature during the club’s summer preparations.

Looking ahead to Celtic’s Premiership opener against Dundee on Flag Day, O’Neill provided an update on those still working their way back.

He said via Celtic FC’s YouTube channel: “[Auston] Trusty comes back. 

“He’s had some family things. I’ve given him a little bit of extra time, which I think he’s deserved.

“I’m probably less concerned about those boys because they have played matches in the World Cup.

“Okay, so you take a little bit of a break. And the last thing you want to do is be rushing them back.

“By Monday, I think that everybody will be back.

“I was hoping that Alistair [Johnston] might have played maybe 20 minutes today. He was ready for it. I have to be guided. If anything happened to him, then I would get it in the neck from the sports science boys!

“Yang’s back. He’s done some training again. Just a little bit of a hiccup there a couple of days ago. But he’ll be fine. He’ll be ready to go.”

The Celtic boss also disclosed that Benjamin Nygren missed the Milan friendly because of a minor Achilles issue but does not believe the problem will keep the midfielder sidelined for long.

O’Neill added: “Nygren’s here at this minute.

“Didn’t play [vs Milan]. He’s got a bit of an Achilles problem at the moment.

“He played for Sweden in at least one of the games anyway. So I don’t think it’s massive.”

HAVE YOUR SAY – Join the Celtic conversation in our comments section below…

Matthew Marr’s debut book – Celtic And the Bould Bhoys, Glory to Their Name. Order now on Celticstarbooks.com. Click to order for just £10 plus P&P

Quick Tip – Add Celticshorts.com as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you’ll notice the difference straight away! – Click HERE….Hail Hail!

Click to join Celtic Pools