[ad_1]
JOTA is at the centre of an Old Firm Scottish Cup semi-final injury sweat.
The Celtic winger missed last week’s win at Kilmarnock and won’t face Motherwell today.
Jota will have to prove his fitness after a disrupted week of training[/caption]
Boss Ange Postecoglou admits Jota and Reo Hatate will have to prove their fitness in training before facing Rangers at Hampden.
He said: “Jota, Reo, James Forrest and Liel Abada haven’t had a full week of training and won’t feature against Motherwell.
“They are close, but we will wait for them to get more training in before putting them back in.
“They are all back training now and we will see how they go after the weekend.”
Cameron Carter-Vickers also missed out against Kilmarnock but will be back to face Well.
The Hoops defender is expected to undergo a minor operation before the end of the season, but Postecoglou refused to be drawn on that.
He said: “Cam is fine. He trained last week, he trained all this week and he will play against Motherwell.
“The only reason he didn’t play at Kilmarnock was the pitch, which I had mentioned.
“He didn’t recover too well the last time we played on the artificial surface, so we left him out. But he’s been training and will play.”
Pressed on the prospect of surgery, Postecoglou said: “He’s playing against Motherwell. That’s where it begins and ends.
“I can’t predict the future. If he gets through Saturday, he’ll play next week. That’s how it is.”
Postecoglou said he won’t rest any players ahead of next Sunday’s Hampden clash with Rangers.
Celtic have the chance to go 15 points in front of the Ibrox side as they close in on the title.
And Postecoglou reckons Motherwell will pose a real test as he hailed Stuart Kettlewell’s work since replacing Stevie Hammell.
He said: “I have two eyes and they are fixed firmly on what is most important and that’s Motherwell.
“We have a title to win. We haven’t won that yet and anything beyond this weekend isn’t on my radar.
“I felt Motherwell had elements to their game earlier in the season that showed they were a good team. But I suppose it all comes down to results.
“Stuart has put his own stamp on the team and they have done it in a very attacking style.
“Kevin van Veen has been outstanding, they score goals and create a lot of chances.
“Credit to Stuart, he has turned their season around to the point where they were one result away from challenging for the top six.
“They will give us a real test, but we are at home and want to get a step closer to the title.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
[ad_2]
Source link