Celtic reportedly dealt big blow over £2.2m star, next 24-hours important for Postecoglou

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Celtic could be without Greg Taylor for two months after the left-back underwent surgery on the shoulder injury he sustained against Ross County, according to the Daily Record.

Ange Postecoglou has been without the 23-year-old for the past two weeks after only lasting the first-half against the Staggies. Taylor returned to start the win at Parkhead, but suffered a recurrence of the problem initially sustained against AZ Alkmaar.

The blow forced him off 24-minutes into the Europa League second-leg qualifying tie and kept him from facing Rangers. Postecoglou is now waiting to receive news on how long Celtic will be without Taylor after undergoing surgery on Monday.

Taylor confirmed on his Instagram that he had undergone a successful operation on his right shoulder on Monday night. He and the Hoops expect to receive a clearer image of his expected time out within the next 24-hours.

But fears have already risen that Celtic could be without Taylor for two months while he recovers from the injury. Eight weeks out of action would see the £8.2k-a-week defender miss the Hoops’ next 12 fixtures across all competitions.

That includes the visit of Bayer Leverkusen to Glasgow and both ties with Ferencvarosi in the Europa League Group Stage. Taylor could potentially return in time for Celtic’s trip to the BayArena on November 25 depending on his recovery.

Can Celtic cope without Taylor for two months through injury?

Celtic potentially being without Taylor for two months through injury would be a big blow for Postecoglou. The £2.2m signing from Kilmarnock in 2019 had been one of the Australian’s favourite players before sustaining his shoulder issue.

Taylor has started 11 of Postecoglou’s 14 fixtures in charge at Parkhead so far, only missing games when injured. Josip Juranovic took his place at left-back against Rangers and Real Betis, while Boli Bolingoli opened Sunday’s defeat at Livingston.

Postecoglou also has Adam Montgomery as an option, after the 19-year-old replaced Taylor in his last appearance against Ross County. The teenager will hope further chances now follow as the Hoops look for their ideal solution across multiple competitions.