Motherwell face a mounting injury crisis ahead of Saturday's Premiership clash with Celtic at Fir Park. Striker Callum Hendry is ruled out with a knee injury, joining a list of several key doubts.
Hendry's absence is a confirmed blow for a side sitting ninth in the table with eight points from seven games. Oscar Priestman is a major doubt with a calf issue, having not featured in a matchday squad since August. Defensive options are also stretched, with John Koutroumbis (muscular), Paul McGinn (knee), Jordan McGhee (hamstring) and Joel van den Berg all facing late fitness tests. Callum Osmand is also unavailable.
Celtic's selection issues
The visitors have their own concerns, which could level the playing field slightly. Winger Yang Hyun-jun is a doubt after returning from international duty with South Korea carrying a hamstring complaint. New signing Landon Emenalo arrived with an injury, while Benjamin Nygren is ill. Star forward Jota remains out and is not expected back until later this month, despite playing 45 minutes in a recent bounce game.
Form and fixture pressure
Motherwell's form is a concern, having lost their last three league matches before the international break. Those defeats to Dundee, Rangers and Aberdeen have left them with just one home league win all season. The most recent, a 2-1 loss at Dundee on September 19, saw Alex Lowry score a consolation goal.
Celtic, despite losing three consecutive games themselves, still lead the Premiership by two points. Their 1-0 loss to Rangers narrowed the gap at the top, adding extra pressure for their trip to Lanarkshire. Motherwell will need to find a way to stop the rot against the champions.
The match kicks off at Fir Park on Saturday, October 11.
More detail at The Scotsman
