Celtic Have Nine Players Away on International Duty — O’Neill Will Be Hoping They All Come Back in One Piece

The international break has arrived at a pretty important time for Celtic, but while Martin O’Neill will welcome the opportunity to work with the players remaining at Lennoxtown, there is one thing every Celtic supporter will be hoping for.

Please, just bring everyone back fit.

Celtic have nine players involved with their respective national teams during this November window, with several important first-team players facing competitive international fixtures.

Kieran Tierney, Liam Scales and Viljami Sinisalo are among those preparing for two Nations League matches each, while other members of the squad will also be representing their countries.

It is always something to be proud of when Celtic players receive international recognition. Having players involved at that level reflects well on the club and gives them valuable experience.

But from a Celtic perspective, the timing is not ideal.

We have just managed to put together two consecutive victories against Beşiktaş and Kilmarnock, and the last thing we need is another injury crisis before the squad returns for the Premiership match against St Mirren on November 21.

We have already had enough problems this season.

Mika Baur’s ankle injury against Kilmarnock is a major concern, while Alistair Johnston has endured another frustrating spell with his hamstring. We have also had other players working their way back from injuries, and O’Neill needs as many available options as possible.

The last thing we want is to add another name to that list.

There is also the question of fatigue. International football can mean travelling, different training schedules and two competitive matches in a short period. For players already dealing with the demands of domestic and European football, it is another workload to manage.

We need these players available when the domestic campaign resumes.

Of course, we cannot complain about players being selected for their countries. It is part of professional football, and nobody should be suggesting that they turn down international opportunities simply to protect Celtic.

But the club will certainly be keeping a close eye on their minutes.

There is another positive to this break, though. O’Neill will have the opportunity to work with those who remain at Lennoxtown, particularly players who need extra training time or are looking to force their way into the starting XI.

The manager has admitted that he is still working out his strongest team, and this period could be useful in helping him settle on a more consistent system.

Our next league fixture is against St Mirren, followed by a demanding run of matches, including the Europa League trip to Torreense and the visit to Hearts.

There is very little room for another setback.

Celtic have given themselves a bit of breathing space with those two victories, but the work is far from finished. We need to return from the international break stronger, healthier and with a clearer idea of how this team is going to play.

So good luck to all the Celtic players representing their countries.

Enjoy the opportunity, do yourselves proud and, most importantly, come back fit.

We’ve got enough problems to deal with at home without creating any more.