Celtic are without Josip Juranovic for their trip to Motherwell on Saturday, and coach Ange Postecoglou hopes James Forrest and Christopher Jullien are on the return from injury.
The Bhoys boss addressed the fitness of his dressing room, via the Daily Record, ahead of travelling to Fir Park. Celtic are looking to claim back-to-back Premiership wins for the first time this season against Graham Alexander’s Well.
Celtic followed their Scottish top-flight victories under Postecoglou against St Mirren and Ross County with defeats to Rangers and Livingston. The international break then followed their win away to Aberdeen last time out to remain sixth in the standings.
Postecoglou waiting on Celtic injury woes to ease
Juranovic played no part as Celtic beat Aberdeen, after sustaining a hamstring injury in last month’s draw with Dundee United. Postecoglou has also been without Forrest since August due to fitness issues. While Jullien has not played since last December due to a knee injury.
“They are on different trajectories,” Postecoglou explained. “James is working hard and we’re hopeful he makes significant progress over the next two or three weeks. Jullien is back training with the team, which is really important.
“It’s very challenging when you are doing your rehab by yourself for a long period of time. He’s back with the team, but he’ll need a good three or four-weeks to get back up to speed.
“His progress will be a lot quicker now he’s with the group and knows everything he needs to do to be able to play. Juranovic did his hamstring, so didn’t go away – he’s been doing rehab here. It’s the tail end, so we’re looking at next weekend for him.”
Forrest, Juranovic and Jullien to lighten Parkhead load after injury returns
Postecoglou having Forrest, Juranovic and Jullien available again soon following injury will help to ease the load on Celtic’s squad. Jullien was a fixture of Neil Lennon’s plans during the 2019/20 season, but injuries kept him out last term and is yet to play for Postecoglou.
The Bhoys boss will certainly look forward to unleashing Forrest again, having relied heavily on the 30-year-old earlier this season. Postecoglou fielded the midfielder in seven of eight possible fixtures across all competitions, returning two goals and three assists.
Postecoglou did not expect Forrest’s issue would keep him out this long, having anticipated his return for Celtic last month. And will also look forward to welcoming Juranovic back into the fold, having benefitted from the £2.5m summer signing’s versatility in defence.
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