Callum McGregor has Rangers return chances rated by Brendan Rodgers but Celtic boss not taking any risks

Callum McGregor has a "very good" chance of being fit to face Rangers on April 7.

But Brendan Rodgers confirmed the Celtic captain won't be risked against Livingston on Sunday. McGregor has been missing since the 7-1 thrashing of Dundee on February 28. An Achilles problem kept him out of the 2-0 defeat to Hearts at the start of March and wins over Livingston and St Johnstone ahead of Scotland's double header against the Netherlands and Northern Ireland.

McGregor has been out on the training pitch and isn't too far away from being back in the matchday squad. But he won't be thrown back into action against the Lions this Sunday, with Rodgers not willing to take any chances ahead of such a crucial title run in. He said: "Callum has been out on the field, but we are not risking him in this game. But he should hopefully re-join training next week.”

However, asked if the skipper would ready in time for the crunch trip to Ibrox, Rodgers replied: “Yes, a very good chance.” The Hoops have yet to lose to their city rivals this season, winning 1-0 in Govan back in September before a 2-1 victory at Parkhead to end 2023.

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