Callum McGregor will miss Celtic’s crucial Scottish Cup match against Rangers on March 8, 2026, due to a calf injury. This news was confirmed by Celtic manager Martin O’Neill, who noted that McGregor was feeling sore after the previous game against Aberdeen and did not recover in time for the high-stakes encounter.

McGregor’s absence is particularly significant as he is known for controlling the tempo in midfield, making him a key player for Celtic. The team will have to adjust their strategy without their captain, who has been a nearly constant presence on the pitch for the club.

In McGregor’s absence, Liam Scales took over the captain’s armband, while the midfield was comprised of Luke McCowan, Reo Hatate, and Benjamin Nygren. This reshuffling indicates the challenges Celtic will face without their usual leader on the field.

O’Neill expressed the impact of McGregor’s absence, stating, “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 importance of McGregor to the team dynamics.

Additionally, Kieran Tierney was also absent due to a foot injury sustained in the same match against Aberdeen, further complicating Celtic’s lineup. Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel missed the match as well, recovering from an injection.

McGregor has previously dealt with a calf injury last season, raising concerns about the recurrence of this issue. 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.” Details remain unconfirmed regarding the severity and duration of McGregor’s injury.

As Celtic prepares for the upcoming match without two of their key players, the team will need to rely on their depth and adaptability to compete against their rivals, Rangers. The outcome of this match could have significant implications for their season.

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