Brendan Rodgers has confirmed a blow to the squad that could reshape their approach in the coming weeks.
Greg Taylor, a steadfast figure on the left flank, has been sidelined due to a calf injury he picked up in the recent clash against Buckie Thistle. The prognosis? Taylor is set to miss out on a critical phase of the season, a development that’s sparked conversations and a bit of speculation on what’s next for the Hoops.
The Northern Irishman told Celtic TV: “Greg will be out for a few weeks. Towards the game at the weekend he felt a slight strain in his calf.
“So sadly he’s out, which is a shame because he’s been excellent and very consistent over the course of the season so far.”
The immediate fallout sees Taylor ruled out of a handful of key fixtures, starting with a home game against Ross County, followed by a challenging visit to Aberdeen. The list continues with Hibs at home, St Mirren away, and a showdown with Kilmarnock. Each of these matches carries its weight in gold as Celtic look to cement their standing and push forward towards another league title.
The timing of Taylor’s absence throws a spotlight on Celtic’s squad depth and the options available to Rodgers.
The conversation inevitably turns to who should step up in Taylor’s stead. Among the names being bandied about, Mitchel Frame emerges as a figure of interest. Frame, a young talent honed within Celtic’s academy, represents the future and a potential wild card for the left-back position.
His opportunity to shine could very well be on the horizon, despite the prevailing wisdom suggesting Bernabei might be the go-to substitute. Bernabei, for all his efforts, has yet to leave a lasting impression during his appearances with the first team.
This scenario not only tests Celtic’s resilience but also reignites debates on the club’s recruitment strategy. Some voices in the stands and online suggest that the current predicament could be seen as a form of cosmic retribution for the club’s perceived inaction during the January transfer window, particularly the failure to bolster the left-back slot.
This criticism, while harsh, underscores a broader concern about readiness and depth, a them that is all too familiar this season.
As the Hoops navigate this unexpected hurdle, the coming weeks will be telling. Will Frame seize the moment, should he be given the nod, and solidify his place as a reliable option for Rodgers? Or will the absence of Taylor expose a chink in Celtic’s armour, prompting a radical rethink?
