Celtic have been handed a timely boost at Lennoxtown, with both Arne Engels and Colby Donovan back out on the training pitch ahead of Sunday’s trip to Dens Park.
The sight of Donovan involved will be just as important as anything else this week. The young defender had been a doubt after pulling out of the Scotland under-21 squad, adding to concerns in a position already stretched.
With Julian Araujo ruled out for the next seven to eight weeks and Alistair Johnston only just working his way back, options at right-back have been limited. That has pushed Donovan into the frame, and if he is fit, he is likely to start against Dundee.
That brings pressure, but also opportunity. Celtic will expect to have most of the ball, which means the right-back role is as much about positioning and recovery runs as it is about getting forward.
Engels continuing to training is another lift. He has been missing since limping off against Livingston on February 11, and that absence has been felt in midfield.
Without him, Celtic haven’t had the same drive from deeper areas. He brings energy, makes forward runs, and links play in a way that’s been lacking at times in recent weeks.
Getting him back, even if it’s from the bench, gives Martin O’Neill another option going into a game where control alone won’t be enough.
Dundee will make it difficult. They’ll sit in, compete for second balls, and look to turn the game into a physical battle.
That puts focus on players like Donovan, who will need to defend first and deal with direct play, and on Engels if he’s involved, to help Celtic move the ball quicker through midfield.
Training pictures don’t decide games, but they do shape the options. This week, Celtic have a few more than they did before the break.
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