Celtic will be missing 10 players while four return to the squad; Martin O'Neill faces a major selection choice ahead of the Parkhead meeting with Hibs
Celtic’s team sheet for the Parkhead clash with Hibernian is shaping up as a puzzle. Injuries have bitten hard: the club have 10 players sidelined, while four squad members have completed returns to training and are available for selection. That squeeze leaves Martin O’Neill juggling options across defence, midfield and attack as he decides how aggressive to be at home.
Who’s in, who’s out
– Confirmed absentees: 10 players unavailable.
– Returns: four players have been cleared to rejoin the matchday group.
– Key names to watch: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (when fit, a calming presence), Tomas Cvancara and Junior Adamu (both have chipped in with goals this season), and Reo Hatate (whose form has raised questions).
Why it matters
Limited options force trade-offs. With fewer rotation choices, formation tweaks and substitutions become higher-stakes moves. O’Neill must balance the desire to win at Parkhead with the need to protect bodies for a congested run-in—every selection now sends a message about priorities for the rest of the season.
Tactical consequences
Absences compress the squad, increasing the value of versatile players who can cover multiple positions. Expect O’Neill to favour compactness and control, especially early on, and to use substitutions carefully to manage game tempo and players’ minutes. If midfield or defensive starters are missing, Celtic might shift formation to shore up shape rather than chase the game.
Form and selection trade-offs
Recent performances and fitness will determine who starts and who’s used off the bench. Those returning from injury are likeliest to be eased in—short, impactful cameos rather than 90-minute outings—while trusted starters will carry the heavier load. Decisions will hinge on match-readiness as much as reputation: minutes played, training intensity and recent sharpness will all count.
Attack: creating chances, finishing them
Celtic still create good openings but have been hit-and-miss converting them. The forward group offers creativity and flashes of quality, yet inconsistency in the final third has cost points. O’Neill must choose between an attacking press that risks being exposed at the back, or a slightly more conservative shape to keep control and invite the right moments to counter. Mixing experienced heads with hungry youngsters might be the sweet spot—if fitness allows.
Selection signals for the title race
The title is fluid: Hearts and Rangers remain in the mix and every slip-up reshuffles the table. A home win is non-negotiable if Celtic want to keep pace, but how O’Neill configures his XI will reveal whether he’s chasing immediate control or managing resources for the long haul. Substitution patterns and minute allocation over the next few games will say as much about his priorities as the starting lineup.
Practical test before kick-off
The upcoming fixture is a practical exam in rotation and load management. Expect careful use of returning players and a reliance on multi-role squad members to plug gaps. Medical clearances and training reports will shape late changes, but ultimately O’Neill will pick the eleven he trusts to deliver intensity and keep Celtic in the hunt. The balance between freshness and form is razor-thin: smart, measured selections and timely substitutions could keep momentum on Parkhead’s side. Fail to manage minutes—or fail to finish chances—and the title race could get a whole lot tighter.
