OPINION
To say that Celtic have had their fair share of injury problems this season would be understating the issue at Parkhead by some margin.
There has hardly been a weekend that the Hoops have not had to contend with some sort of absence with issues up and down the pitch forcing the manager’s hand.
Some problems have been short term setbacks but the likes of Tom Rogic have been out of action for quite some time now, the Australian last turning out for the Bhoys on Boxing Day before a knee injury struck him down.
One of the club’s top performers when fit and firing, he has been a big loss for the Hoops and having him back as soon as possible will do wonders for their hopes of sealing yet another domestic treble – which is why Neil Lennon’s behind the scenes reveal will fill the Celtic Park faithful with joy.
He told the Scottish Sun: “Tom should be fit for the Rangers game. Olivier is also back doing a bit of running and we hope to have him doing a bit of training next week.”
Having not one but two midfield maestros back and among the action – returning for the clash against Rangers no less – is massive for the club and quite frankly if fit, the duo are more than deserving of starting for Lennon.
Their returns do not bode well for current starters Nir Bitton, Ewan Henderson or even Oliver Burke though, with all three of them able to be dropped to be replaced, the latter also under threat from striking counterpart Odsonne Edouard.
Coming up with an argument for any of them to remain in the side when quality talents like Ntcham and Rogic are closing in on a comeback is tough and one which Lennon will have to deal with as and when they are back in action.
The trio are safe in the side for now but this revelation ought to have them sweating buckets over their immediate futures.