The Scotland midfielder is well on course to recover ahead of the Europa League tie against Zenit St Petersburg.
Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong, 25, is reportedly ahead of schedule in terms of his recovery from a shock hernia operation in mid-January, according to the Daily Record.
The Hoops talisman was due to miss his side’s upcoming first leg of the Europa League tie with Zenit St Petersburg next Thursday. However, he is believed to be nearing full fitness and will return much quicker than expected.
The news will hand a massive boost to the Celts who, at this moment in time, have a squad ravaged by injuries.
In recent matches Brendan Rodgers has opted for a 3-5-2 formation with a midfield three of Eboue Kouassi, Scott Brown and Olivier Ntcham.
The trio have performed to a decent standard and are each solid individuals, yet all three are more typically holding or defensive-minded players.
The team has evidently lacked the attacking flair and drive which the likes of Tom Rogic and Armstrong possess, linking the midfield to the forwards.
With Armstrong returning, this could bode well for Celtic in their search for goals against Roberto Mancini’s Russian team.
Armstrong was massive for Celtic last season, netting an impressive 17 goals from central midfield. This season has been slightly more disrupted with various injuries and rumours of a possible move away, but nevertheless, his return will be met with optimism from Bhoys fans.
With Kristoffer Ajer and Dedryk Boyata both picking up knocks during last weekend’s loss against Kilmarnock, it is imperative that both Jozo Simunovic and deadline day signing Jack Hendry remain fit going into next week.
The Hoops have one game remaining before the Zenit tie, when they host Partick Thistle in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup on Saturday.
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