Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill provided an injury update on captain Callum McGregor, who will miss Saturday's Scottish Premiership clash against Motherwell. McGregor, 32, sat out last weekend's Scottish Cup victory over Rangers due to a calf strain and is expected to return next week. Defender Kieran Tierney, who missed the Rangers game with a foot issue, will be available for selection.

O'Neill clarified that McGregor's current injury is unrelated to his previous Achilles problem from two years ago. The Celtic manager expressed optimism about the midfielder's recovery, stating he has responded well to treatment. Celtic currently sit five points behind league leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership, with nine games remaining in the season.

McGregor's absence was felt during the 120-minute stalemate against Rangers, where Celtic managed only one shot on target. Luke McCowan started in the holding midfield role alongside Reo Hatate and Benjamin Nygren. O'Neill acknowledged the challenge of replacing McGregor's influence both on and off the field, emphasizing the need to find better attacking options. The manager also provided updates on goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who trained after receiving a shoulder injection, and expressed hope for the Green Brigade's potential return to Celtic Park.