Callum McGregor Misses Scottish Cup Clash
Callum McGregor was absent from Celtic’s Scottish Cup clash against Rangers on March 8, 2026, due to a calf injury. His absence was felt deeply as he was not only missing from the starting line-up but also from the bench for this crucial derby match.
Manager Martin O’Neill confirmed that McGregor was feeling sore after the previous match against Aberdeen, which likely contributed to his inability to recover in time for the cup tie. “He was feeling pretty sore by the end of the Aberdeen game and he’s just not recovered in time,” O’Neill stated.
McGregor’s injury alters the balance of Celtic’s midfield, a significant concern for the team as they faced their fierce rivals. In his absence, Liam Scales took over the captain’s armband, highlighting the leadership void left by McGregor.
Compounding the situation, Kieran Tierney was also sidelined due to a foot injury sustained in the same match against Aberdeen. Additionally, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel missed the game as he was recovering from an injection.
Historically, McGregor has been a nearly constant presence on the pitch for Celtic, and his absence is particularly poignant given that he missed several matches late last season due to a similar calf complaint, including a derby during that period.
O’Neill expressed the impact of McGregor’s absence, saying, “It’s a big blow. It’s a blow to us. He’s the captain in every aspect of it, both a leader in the dressing room and on the field. He’ll be a big miss for us.” This sentiment underscores the critical role McGregor plays within the team.
Reports suggest that McGregor’s current injury may be a recurrence of his previous calf issue, although the severity and duration of this latest setback remain unconfirmed. Emma Dodds noted, “We’re hearing it’s a recurrence of an injury he had last season, but we’re not yet aware whether or not it’ll be long-term.”
As Celtic navigates this challenging period, the focus will be on how they adapt without their captain and the potential timeline for McGregor’s return to the pitch.