Celtic look like a side that has run out of ideas and energy at the worst possible time of the season. The latest setback, a 2 0 defeat to Dundee United, has only deepened that feeling around the club.
With just seven league games remaining, the situation is becoming serious.
Hearts have stretched their advantage back to five points, while Celtic have also slipped behind Rangers. Suddenly, the margin for error has disappeared completely. From here on, Martin O’Neill’s team may need to be flawless and even that still might not be enough to get their hands on the title.
It is a tough place to be, especially for a club that expects to lead from the front.
But amid the frustration, there is at least one piece of positive news that could not come at a better time.
Celtic are set to receive a major boost with the return of Arne Engels edging closer.
The midfielder has been sidelined since picking up a thigh injury against Livingston last month. In that time, Celtic have noticeably lost some of their balance and control in midfield. His absence has not just been felt, it has been exposed in performances.
Now, there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel.
Speaking about Engels’ situation, O’Neill said:
“It’s interesting sometimes, it’s only when somebody’s not playing do you actually miss them. I think that would be the case with Arne [Engels].
“But he’s keen to get back and I think after the international break, he should be ready.”
That return could not come soon enough.
Engels arrived at Celtic in a record breaking move from Augsburg and was immediately placed under the spotlight as the man expected to fill the gap left by Matt O’Riley. That comparison never quite made sense though.
They are very different players.
While O’Riley brought a certain style and rhythm to the midfield, Engels offers something else entirely. His presence gives Celtic a different dimension, one that has clearly been missing over the past few weeks.
Sometimes you only realise the value of a player when they are not there. This feels like one of those cases.
If Engels can return sharp and ready, he could provide the spark Celtic desperately need to get their season back on track. Right now, the team looks like it needs both energy and direction.
Still, there is another layer to this story.
Despite his importance, Engels’ long term future at the club is far from certain. There was strong interest from Nottingham Forest during the winter window, with bids reportedly reaching as high as 25 million pounds.
Celtic stood firm at the time and refused to sell mid season, but it was clear that their resolve was pushed.
That leaves a big question heading into the summer.
If similar offers arrive again, will Celtic be able to resist, especially if the rebuild under a new manager begins to take shape?
For now, the focus is simple.
Get Engels back on the pitch and give this team a fighting chance. Because without a lift soon, this title race could slip away completely.
