The fitness of Celtic captain Callum McGregor is a hot topic among fans as the season’s most important stretch of games approaches.
McGregor has returned to action after being out for several weeks due to calf and Achilles concerns, but he has yet to hit the levels we know he can achieve.
He was substituted on the hour mark away to Dundee last weekend following a rough afternoon, prompting some to question whether Tomoki Iwata should return to the starting lineup.
Thankfully, Rodgers has spotted some positive progress in McGregor at Lennoxtown training ahead of Saturday’s match against Hearts.
He believes the midfielder is looking much sharper, which gives fans hope that the captain’s form will improve.
Brendan Rodgers on Callum McGregor
The Celtic boss said in a media conference on Friday [Celtic FC]: “I think it’s just a case of trying to get him as near a level to where he can be at. Clearly, we’ve been managing him.
“I saw a difference in him this week, I have to be honest. He’d been doing a lot of work over the last couple of weeks on the strength of his Achilles, which actually left him a little bit leggy – I would say – in the games.
“We’ve cut a lot of that out this week. He’s had to strengthen his Achilles with the issues that he’s had.
“He looks a lot lighter on his feet and a lot fresher. He’s not quite there to where he was earlier on in the season but he certainly looks in a much better place. It’s just been that management.”
McGregor set to retain place in team
The manager’s comments are encouraging, and it appears that McGregor will retain his spot in Celtic’s starting eleven, despite recent troubles.
A fit and firing McGregor might be a huge help in the remaining four league games and the Scottish Cup final. Rodgers will want to get him closer to peak form for the Rangers’ visit next weekend, for example.
The Celtic captain, like the in-form James Forrest, understands what it takes to get over the line in high-pressure games.
Hopefully, the differences we saw in training will be evident against Hearts on Saturday.
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