Brendan Rodgers has stated Celtic have already suffered a double defensive injury setback.
The Hoops’ pre-season schedule began last night with a 1-1 draw away to Ayr United. A combination of academy and periphery players were given the opportunity to shine, including Polish goalkeeper Maik Nawrocki. However, the defender was forced to leave midway through the first half due to a calf issue. Nawrocki has been plagued by injury difficulties since joining from Legia Warsaw last summer, and Rodgers is waiting for the findings of his most recent blow.
Meanwhile, Rodgers thinks he’ll ease Liam Scales back into the squad after the stopper played for the Republic of Ireland this summer. Gustaf Lagerbielke also returned to Lennoxtown for pre-season training last week, but was absent from Somerset Park Friday night.The Swedish centre-back, who joined Parkhead from Elfsborg for £3 million last season, has been considered surplus to requirements and is poised to leave in the coming weeks. However, Rodgers said the defender was unavailable for selection last night due to injury.
He said, “Liam is just back. He was on international duty with Liam, so he’ll join the team for the game next week. Gus twisted his ankle and knee in training, so he’s probably going to bea week out. Matt O’Riley has returned, and a few more players have begun to trickle in, so they’ll be ready to play next Wednesday.”
