Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is taking proactive steps to manage his squad's fitness as the season enters its crucial final stretch. With the injury list finally beginning to shrink, the club has scheduled a behind-closed-doors friendly this week. This strategic move is designed to provide valuable match minutes for several key players who are on the cusp of returning to full action, allowing them to regain sharpness in a controlled environment without the pressure of a competitive fixture.

The news is particularly encouraging for three important figures: Arne Engels, Alistair Johnston, and Callum Osmand. Engels has already made his comeback, featuring for 27 minutes as a substitute in Saturday's hard-fought 1-0 victory over St. Mirren. Meanwhile, both Johnston and Osmand, who have been sidelined with hamstring issues, have now resumed full training with the first team.

O'Neill emphasized the importance of a cautious approach, telling the Daily Record, "We will try to get a bounce game for some of the players coming back... We don’t want to rush people back but if they are feeling good and want to have a bounce game, that would be ideal." This methodical planning underscores the club's focus on having a fully-fit squad available for the decisive matches ahead.

The timing of these returns could be significant for Celtic's trophy ambitions. Alistair Johnston is now in contention to feature in this Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final against St. Mirren, providing a potential boost to the backline. For Callum Osmand, the friendly will serve as a critical stepping stone, with O'Neill confident the Welsh talent will be available again before the campaign concludes. As the team prepares for a demanding run-in, getting these players reintegrated smoothly could make all the difference in their pursuit of silverware.