As we gear up for a big Champions League fixture tonight, it also should not be forgotten that we also have the dreaded upcoming international break.
Scotland have a triple header with Ukraine (home and away) and the Republic of Ireland coming up at the end of the month.
But it’s not any of our Scottish contingent that has withdrawn
According to reports from Sweden, Carl Starfelt has withdrawn from the Sweden squad for their doubleheader with Serbia and Slovenia.
As reported by Aftonbladet, Starfelt has withdrawn from the squad along with eight other players but manager, Janne Andersson is not concerned, “All nine hadn’t started. But it is clear that these are players who would have been relevant.” says Janne Andersson and continues:
“It opens up the opportunity for others. Had we been in a tough spot here now with a World Cup, then I might have felt like I wanted to play a team together.
“Now some new ones get the chance to show off.
“I would have been more concerned if there had been a World Cup ahead of us.”
Not really surprising since Starfelt is currently sidelined with a knee injury [Football Scotland] and is expected to be out of action for over a month.
For Celtic, we have plenty of cover in the back line with Moritz Jenz doing a fine job.
And with Stephen Welsh also able to deputise, there is no need to rush the big Swede back.