Callum McGregor Injury Update
Callum McGregor missed Celtic’s Scottish Cup clash with Rangers on March 8, 2026, due to a calf injury. The absence of the captain was confirmed by manager Martin O’Neill, who stated that McGregor was feeling sore after the previous match against Aberdeen.
McGregor’s injury led to his exclusion from both the starting line-up and the bench for the crucial derby match at Ibrox. This absence is significant as it alters the balance of Celtic’s midfield, a critical component of their strategy.
O’Neill noted, “He was feeling pretty sore by the end of the Aberdeen game and he’s just not recovered in time.” The manager emphasized the impact of McGregor’s absence, saying, “It’s a big blow. It’s a blow to us. He’s the captain in every aspect of it, both a leader in the dressing room and on the field. He’ll be a big miss for us.”
In McGregor’s absence, Liam Scales took over the captain’s armband, stepping into a leadership role during a pivotal match. The team is also dealing with other injuries, including Kieran Tierney, who is sidelined due to a foot injury sustained against Aberdeen, and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who is recovering from a recent injection.
McGregor’s injury is reported to be a recurrence of a calf complaint from the previous season, raising concerns among fans and the club alike. Emma Dodds, a sports commentator, mentioned, “We’re hearing it’s a recurrence of an injury he had last season, but we’re not yet aware whether or not it’ll be long-term.”
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the severity and duration of McGregor’s injury, leaving supporters anxious about his potential return to the pitch. Callum McGregor has been a nearly constant presence on the field for Celtic, making his absence felt even more acutely during such an important fixture.
