Martin O’Neill Explains Dropping Celtic Duo for Match Against Dundee
Martin O’Neill has provided insights regarding the absence of Kasper Schmeichel and Arne Engels from Celtic’s Scottish Cup match against Dundee. This decision follows a series of changes to the squad ahead of the crucial fixture.
Rationale Behind Player Rotations
O’Neill highlighted that Schmeichel required a break due to a shoulder issue, indicating that the goalkeeper is set to receive an injection for it. Meanwhile, he confirmed that Engels is not facing any issues but is part of a strategic rotation to manage the team’s extensive fixture list.
Celtic’s Squad Adjustments
The manager made notable adjustments for the match. Key changes included:
- Joel Mvuka was introduced into the squad.
- Viljami Sinisalo took over as the starting goalkeeper.
- Paulo Bernardo and Reo Hatate returned to midfield.
- Junior Adamu was included on the bench.
- Benjamin Arthur was omitted from the matchday squad.
O’Neill emphasized the importance of player rotation, especially given Celtic’s packed schedule. He indicated that maintaining performance levels will necessitate strategic changes, particularly in cup competitions.
Concerns Over Engels and Squad Dynamics
Despite fans’ worries regarding Engels’s exclusion, O’Neill reassured that the player harbors no dissatisfaction. The midfielder’s previous frustration stemmed from multiple rejected offers from Nottingham Forest, but he remains committed to Celtic for the remainder of the season.
Future Considerations for Balikwisha
Another player under scrutiny is Michel-Ange Balikwisha. The DR Congo international, who transferred to Celtic from Royal Antwerp for £5 million, has had a challenging debut season. His performances, particularly lacking against lower-league opponents, have raised concerns among supporters.
With numerous upcoming matches, Balikwisha’s return to the squad seems unlikely, as O’Neill is cautious about risking points at this stage of the season. Ensuring consistent performances is crucial for Celtic as they pursue their campaign objectives.
