Indeed, winger Yang, who has just served a two-match suspension, has come back from international duty with South Korea under-23s with a slight, and unexpected, issue.

Speaking to the media this afternoon at Lennoxtown, manager Brendan Rodgers commented on the Hoops’ number 13. He said: [Celtic FC on YouTube] “Yang has come back with a bit of tightness.

“We just need to make sure that’s nothing more serious. He obviously played 2 60 minutes and a 30 minutes while he was away so he’s come back a little bit tight so we just need to check and make sure he’s okay.”

It remains to be seen whether the 21-year-old will feature on Sunday due to his issue but if he doesn’t, fans shouldn’t have many worries.

Nicolas Kuhn is beginning to hit form while Daizen Maeda getting a run of games is only beneficial. In addition, James Forrest has thrown his hat into the ring for a starting berth with his recent cameos.

Even with the absences of Yang, Luis Palma, and Callum McGregor, The Bhoys should have enough to get past a Livingston team who all season, have been down in the dumps.

The winger hasn’t played since the Hoops’ 7-1 thumping of Dundee at the end of February, and won’t feature on Sunday at the Tony Macaroni Arena.

Speaking to the media at Lennoxtown today, gaffer Rodgers served to give the latest on the status of the Honduran internationalist. “Luis Palma probably will just miss out on this weekend”, he said (Celtic FC on YouTube).

“Hopefully he’ll be available soon.”

In his recent absence, Celtic haven’t particularly missed Palma. Daizen Maeda stepped up with a hat-trick against Livi in the Scottish Cup while Nicolas Kuhn has come into his own over the past few games.

James Forrest has also staked his claim for a berth in the team, scoring one and assisting another in his previous two appearances.

During this period, Yang has been suspended, too, and despite these holes out wide, the team have coped well.

This weekend in West Lothian, they will need to suck it up once more and count on the likes of Kuhn, Maeda, and Forrest to help deliver what would be a key league victory.

Indeed, the boss confirmed that Reo Hatate, who has not played for the Hoops since the 2nd of January, is available for the match.

Speaking to the media ahead of the game, the boss gave a hugely positive update. He said: [Celtic FC on YouTube] “Reo Hatate is back and available in the squad which is great news.

“He’s worked very hard, he’s played a bounce game in the time off and he’s built up his fitness so it’s great news he’s back.”

Captain Callum McGregor will miss this weekend’s game because the manager doesn’t want to risk him, but it is full steam ahead with his Japanese teammate.

It remains to be seen whether Hatate will play from the start at Livingston, but the fact he is available for the clash in the first place is crucial.

When fully fit and firing, the 26-year-old is one of the most gifted players in Scottish football. In the final destination of the title and during the run-in over the next few weeks, his talents could be decisive.

The skipper has not been seen since he was subbed off at half-time in a 7-1 demolition of Dundee at the end of February. Although he has been on the pitch since then, manager Brendan Rodgers is not risking him on Livingston’s plastic surface.

Speaking ahead of this Sunday’s crucial clash in West Lothian, the boss provided the latest on his captain. “Callum has been out on the field, but we are not risking him in this game”, he said [PLZ Soccer].

“He should hopefully rejoin training next week.”

Rodgers was then asked if the 30-year-old has a chance of playing in the Glasgow Derby. He said: “Yes, a very good chance.”

This Sunday at the Tony Macaroni Arena, Celtic should have enough in the tank to cope without McGregor.

It is a colossal boost that he will likely be available for next weekend because arguably, it is the biggest game of the Hoops’ season.

At the heart of the midfield, particularly in the big games, McGregor is a driving force and catalyst from which all good things come. The significance of his availability for the derby should not be understated.

The boss said before the international break that he would be assessed ahead of Sunday’s game, and it has now been revealed by Clyde 1 Superscoreboard that he be absent for the clash.

Although having the skipper and manager absent this Sunday is a blow for Celtic, they should have enough to push past Livingston.

The Lions did come to Parkhead a few weeks ago and put up a fight, but at this stage of the season, the Celts can’t afford any more dropped points.

If they are to win the title, Rodgers’ team need to be nothing short of impeccable and with a relatively full-strength squad available barring McGregor, there is nothing to say they can’t.

Their push to the title starts in West Lothian this weekend in a game that is even more hotly anticipated than normal because of the recent break.

Brendan Rodgers shared his enthusiasm for what he believes to be an “exciting period” ahead for his squad. Yet, it was Gerry McCulloch’s comments during the interview that stirred significant intrigue among the Celtic faithful.

The spotlight fell on the returns of pivotal figures within the team, including the captain, Callum McGregor, whose comeback from injury was highlighted as “imminent” by McCulloch, dispelling the swirling rumours that McGregor might have been sidelined for the remainder of the season. The reintegration of CCV and Reo Hatate alongside McGregor could be the boost Celtic need to get over the line.

Rodgers acknowledged the importance of all three players, talking up the positive impact their availability could have on the team’s aspirations. However, a shadow of concern was cast by Rodgers’ reticence to detail McGregor’s initial injury woes, leaving some to speculate on the underlying issues.

Celtic’s fate fixture could be decided with the next four games; Livingston and Rangers away from home, followed by St Mirren at Celtic Park, and a pivotal semi-final clash with Aberdeen at Hampden.

The return of McGregor, a talismanic figure whose leadership on the field has been sorely missed, could not be more timely.

Celtic supporters remain hopeful that the return of their captain and key players will be enough to get them over the line.

Hatate’s return is timely, Celtic have faced challenges maintaining their Premiership lead during his absence. However, with a recent victory over St Johnstone and The Rangers’ match against Dundee postponed, the bhoys have reclaimed the top spot.

The bounce match against St Mirren, ending in a 2-2 draw, was a critical test of Hatate’s readiness to rejoin Celtic’s first team for the final stretch of the season.

His performance suggests he could be br back in the fold for the upcoming match against Livingston after the international break.

Hatate’s return could not be more crucial, as the Premiership title race goes to the wire. His energy, creativity, and versatility have been missed, and his comeback could provide the necessary boost for Celtic to secure the championship.

We await to hear the outcome of Reo’s 45 minutes and if he has come through it ok.

These setbacks have tested Celtic’s depth, with Scales’ absence in the recent victory over St Johnstone and his withdrawal from national team duties raising concerns among fans about the severity of his injury.

He’s played in nearly every game for Celtic this season, including the Champions League, not something any fans expected last summer.

Despite these hurdles, Rodgers remains optimistic. Celtic has organised a closed-doors friendly during the international break, aiming to provide valuable match fitness for returning players like Scales, Hatate, and potentially McGregor.

The Celtic boss said that Liam Scales should be back for the Livingston match after the break.

He said: [Daily Record] “It’s just been one of those seasons. Players have picked up funny little injuries – like Reo who was coming back and then picked one up with his international team. We’ve been close to getting everyone back and around it. There was a little period there. But it hasn’t sort of happened yet.

“The important thing is we are still there, still fighting and still in a really good place. Then we will go into the last leg of the race, which I’m looking forward to.”

You’d expect Rodgers to give Scales his spot in the team back, with the manager rating him highly. There’s almost no chance that Lagerbielke will be given the chance to make the jersey his own, and Stephen Welsh will drop to the bench to accommodate Scales’ return. Nawrocki is still injured, while Callum McGregor has recently returned from a knock.

Despite a challenging season marred by injuries, limiting Hatate to just 13 appearances, Rodgers is optimistic about the midfielder’s imminent return to action.

A specially arranged closed-doors friendly during the international break is earmarked as the key to bringing Hatate back to match fitness, providing him and others in the squad with essential game time. [RecordSport]

Hatate’s absence from the first team since early January, following a calf injury incurred while on duty at the Asian Cup, has been a significant setback. Yet, Rodgers’ plan to reintegrate the Japan international into the team ahead of crucial fixtures underscores his importance to the squad.

With the Premiership match against Livingston and the highly anticipated Glasgow Derby clash with Rangers on the horizon, Rodgers is keen to have a fully fit squad.

Rodgers expressed his anticipation for Hatate’s return, stating that the midfielder’s presence would be “huge” for Celtic.

He said: “Yeah, that’s the plan. We want to get minutes into Reo and push him on. We’ll get some of the players working here, have a game and get some of them up to speed. Reo will be huge for us.”

The return of Cameron Carter-Vickers is a welcome boost for the squad, especially after a spate of injuries, however, he curses his luck that Liam Scales has now been ruled out.

“It’s incredible, really. Just as we get Cam back, this happens to Liam,” Rodgers told Celtic TV, highlighting the critical nature of the centre-back position in his setup. The team’s defensive woes have been exacerbated this season with up to three central defenders sidelined simultaneously, a situation Rodgers describes as far from normal.

Liam’s injury, sustained in a recent match against Livingston, initially sparked fears of a severe setback. However, subsequent scans have offered a hope, revealing the damage to be less severe than anticipated. “He’s been so robust… Sadly, he misses this game, having played every other minute before this,” Rodgers shared, also noting Liam’s unavailability for the upcoming Republic of Ireland internationals. Optimism remains that he could return for the match against Livingston by the end of the month.

Adding to Rodgers’ challenges is the absence of team captain Callum McGregor due to injury. Moreover, Luis Palma is sidelined with a calf tear, complicating the team’s preparation further.

Despite a prognosis from the Honduran FA suggesting a four-week recovery period for Palma, Rodgers places his trust in his medical team’s assessment. “I listen to my own medical team,” he stated confidently, hopeful of Palma’s return sooner than expected. And maybe in time for the Glasgow Derby.