Celtic will have the opportunity to take inventory before the start of the season due to the upcoming foreign break.
Brendan Rodgers’ men are two things ahead of Rangers in this week’s Scottish Premiership round of fixtures, where they will face St Johnstone at home on Saturday.
Of course, the Bhoys can get back to their senses if they have Craig Levein’s men on board. The visitors come into this match with just one win in their last six games.
However, Celtic will spend a few weeks away from the spotlight after full time, with several players in the squad set to travel around the world to form their respective nations.
Closer to home, Greg Taylor and Anthony Ralston have been chosen for Scotland’s friendlies against the Netherlands and Northern Ireland later this month.
On another front, Callum McGregor is ruled out due to injury; however, Rodgers has issued a positive update related to his status, saying that it is possible that his captain will be available once club football resumes.
Unfortunately, there is nowhere for Hyunjun Yang and Hyeongyu Oh in South Korea interim coach Hwang Sun-hong’s plans, although the former could be involved in the West Asian Football Confederation (WAFF) under-23 championship in Saudi Arabia. .
Yesterday we reported that Celtic winger Luis Palma has suffered a new injury in the squad that has left him with the doubt of whether he will face St Johnstone this weekend.
Rodgers is reportedly hoping the 24-year-old can go back in time to be part of the team; however, he probably won’t take any risks regarding Palma’s fitness and could give him a two-week break to make a full recovery.
Now, a key has been set in motion: Honduran Federation CEO Gerardo Ramos said he expects Palma to sign up for his foreign team ahead of the upcoming Copa America playoff against Costa Rica.
Ramos said: “Luis Palma has a minor injury which has been treated with the national team doctor in collaboration with the Celtic doctor. We are convinced that Luis will be in charge of this vital moment against Costa Rica. .
“Logic tells you that Palma is one of the first players in the squad and we expect him to be 100 per cent in position for this game. He’s got a small injury, but it’s nothing serious and he’ll be able to recover. “in the next few days.
“We want the most productive team imaginable to achieve our dream of qualifying for the Copa America. “
From the outside, it will be intriguing to see if Celtic have any objections to Palma flying with Honduras, as there is lingering mistrust about his fitness.
The La Ceiba native is the newest in a long line of injured Celtic players, joining Cameron Carter-Vickers, Reo Hatate and the aforementioned McGregor.
In the coming days, the scenario in Palma will probably be clearer, we will have to wait and see on that front.