Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths misses training ahead of Old Firm derby
Thursday 8 September 2016 16:56, UK
Leigh Griffiths missed Celtic training on Thursday following his recent hamstring problem, ahead of the Old Firm derby on Saturday.
Griffiths hit his seventh goal of the campaign in the 4-1 victory over title challengers Aberdeen on August 27, before he was taken off after an hour with a hamstring problem.
The 26-year-old pulled out of the Scotland squad for the recent World Cup qualifier in Malta because of the injury, along with Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney, who suffered a leg problem.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers played down injury and has not ruled Griffiths out of contention, although with Barcelona in mind he name the striker among the substitutes.
"Leigh wasn't able to go away with the national team as he'd suffered a bit in the last home game," Rodgers said.
"He had a week's rest and trained with us this week. Today was a light day so there was no need to risk him. He had a scan and we'll see how that is over the next 24 hours."
Rodgers hinted teenage defender Tierney will start the match on Saturday, though.
"He'll be fine. He has trained this week. He needed a week out but he seems fine, looks fit and strong," said Rodgers.
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Tierney was back in training along with Gary Mackay-Steven and Kris Commons, who have yet to make an appearance for the team this season, as Celtic prepare for the clash with Rangers, live on Sky Sports.
Should Griffiths fail to recover in time for the Premiership clash then Brendan Rodgers is likely to start with Moussa Dembele in attack - the former Fulham striker has scored four times this season.
Murdo MacLeod, a former Celtic and Scotland international, said Griffiths could provide the difference between the sides on Saturday should the 26-year-old be passed fit to play.
