A rule change in the way isolation works now could see Celtic’s rivals back to nearly full strength this weekend.

A number of players were left out of the side from either contracting the virus or being named as a close contact. However, new SPFL guidelines in place since the second week in August have eased to go along with Government guidelines.

 

It’s now not as strict as what Celtic had to deal with back in January.

Only staff or players with symptoms or testing positive are still be required to self-isolate.

Close contacts aged 18 years or older who have been double vaccinated more than 14 days prior and with no symptoms will be able to get a PCR test and end self-isolation if the result is negative.

Any young players involved, between the ages of five and 17 will also be able to take a PCR test and end self-isolation without being double vaccinated if the test result is negative.

Depending when close contacts were vaccinated – they could be eligible to play in the Glasgow Derby even though they’ve missed out on the Europa League tie.

Celtic were depleted last season due to cal offs in the first Glasgow Derby game. We then had Major call offs when Christopher Jullien tested positive after the ill-fated trip to Dubai.

The Hoops will be preparing to take on a full strength Ibrox side on Sunday. Ange Postecoglou will be leaving nothing to chance. Celtic need to concentrate on their own game and make sure whoever they face – they go all out for the win.

It’s going to be an interesting derby for a number of reasons. We’ll find out when the teams come out how many players have still been affected.

Before that – Celtic have Alkmaar in the Europa League. A draw would be enough to see the Hoops through – but we don’t see Ange sitting back.