Ange Postecoglou believes Greg Taylor is ready to play once Celtic are given clearance, but admits Christopher Jullien faces a ‘difficult’ path back from his injury, via the Daily Record.
Taylor has missed the Bhoys last eight Premiership fixtures after undergoing surgery on a shoulder injury in September. He has also sat out the entire Europa League group stage.
He had started the season as Postecoglou’s first-choice in the position, with minutes in 11 fixtures across all competitions. Only missing August’s defeat at Rangers due to the issue.
Postecoglou issues Celtic injury update
Postecoglou has now shared that Taylor’s right shoulder has healed and he can return once Celtic get medical clearance. But the Hoops boss may remain without Jullien for a while yet.
The Australian is yet to unleash Jullien since taking over at Parkhead in the summer due to the centre-back’s cruciate ligament knee injury. He has not featured at all since colliding with the post during last December’s 3-0 win over Dundee United.
Postecoglou doubts Taylor or Jullien will return from their injuries for Celtic’s League Cup semi-final with St Johnstone Saturday week. But feels Taylor should be available soon.
“Chris and Greg won’t make the semi-final, and it might be into December for them,” Postecoglou said. “I don’t like putting an end date on it.
“They could surprise me and come back earlier, or they could get a setback and be longer. But they are both working hard and they are both looking good.
“They have different hurdles to overcome. With Greg, it’s about getting clearance for his shoulder. We have had good news on that – the last update is that it has healed well. So, as soon as he gets the all-clear, he is pretty much ready to play.
“With Chris, it’s a little more difficult, as he will need some sort of game-time and it’s about picking the right moment to put him in.”
Celtic welcoming Taylor – who recently signed a new four-year contract – back from injury soon will surely delight Postecoglou.
The £2m signing from Kilmarnock in 2019 was a key part of the Australian’s initial plans at Parkhead. And his absence has forced £2.5m arrival Josip Juranovic to fill in at left-back.
Jullien’s eventual return will also ease Postecoglou’s reliance on Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt. With the latter’s absence at Dundee last Sunday giving Stephen Welsh his first Premiership minutes since Livingston on September 19.
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