Steve Clarke opens up about his conversation with Celtic captain Callum McGregor, revealing the extent of his injury.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has had to make a few changes to his squad in recent weeks due to injuries and suspensions.

Cameron Carter-Vickers was unable to participate in our Scottish Cup victory over Livingston last week due to a twinge he felt while training.

It is unclear when the United States international will be cleared to return, potentially leaving Stephen Welsh and Liam Scales to team up in central defence for this weekend’s home match against St Johnstone.

South Korea international Hyunjun Yang is suspended for the Saints’ visit, so Nicolas Kuhn or James Forrest could be given a chance to play on the right flank.

Tomoki Iwata has replaced club captain Callum McGregor in the engine room and is expected to continue in the six position due to the latter’s calf/Achilles injury, which will keep him out until after the international break.

The Scotland international underwent a scan, which was ‘inconclusive’, and it appears that the reigning Scottish Premiership champions are taking things slowly with his latest setback.

Steve Clarke opens up in conversation with Celtic’s Callum McGregor.

McGregor was left out of Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for the Tartan Army’s upcoming friendly double-header against the Netherlands and Northern Ireland to focus on his recovery, according to reports.

Now, the former Kilmarnock manager has revealed that he spoke with the 30-year-old after his injury, providing some clarity on his current situation.

Clarke told The Scotsman: “I had a brief chat with Callum this week because I knew he was going to be missing this camp, but no big issues moving forward, I don’t think.”

Celtic fans will be relieved to learn that McGregor’s ongoing issue is not serious, especially given the forthcoming match against Rangers at Ibrox early next month.

This season, the Lennoxtown graduate has an average Sofascore match rating of 7.39/10 and has set up seven big chances for his teammates.

Without his influence, the Bhoys are not the same team, lacking control and dynamism in the middle of the park.

Looking ahead, McGregor hopes to quickly return to contention. He is expected to be an important player during the hectic end-of-season schedule, when we hope to bring two cutlery back to Parkhead.

In other news, Confirmed officials and VAR as Celtic look to defeat St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership.