Chris Sutton is eager to unravel the mystery as both Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki were once again missing from Celtic’s lineup on Boxing Day.
During the team’s comfortable 3-0 victory over Dundee, Liam Scales and Cameron Carter-Vickers formed the central defensive partnership for Brendan Rodgers’ side. When Carter-Vickers departed the field due to an injury in the second half, Stephen Welsh stepped in to replace him.
This series of events prompted Chris Sutton to inquire about the whereabouts of Lagerbielke and Nawrocki, two players brought in during the summer transfer window. Sutton expressed his belief that their absence is a clear indication that “they aren’t in Brendan’s plans,” as he conveyed to Sky Sports Football on December 26, 2023.
Despite Nawrocki’s early-season injury, he has been fit for some time but has only amassed 157 minutes of play in the Scottish Premiership. Meanwhile, Lagerbielke’s most recent noteworthy appearance was when he scored the winning goal in the Champions League.
Sutton’s questioning of their absence was met with a response from Sky commentator Ian Crocker, noting the limited visibility of the two players. Crocker also highlighted Lagerbielke’s impactful performance against Feyenoord, hinting at an intriguing and potentially active January transfer window for Brendan Rodgers.
Sutton further emphasized his point, suggesting that their absence and the scarce playtime are indications that the two players are currently not in Rodgers’ plans.
Reflecting on the unexpected rise of Scales due to injuries and how he has seized the opportunity, Sutton hinted at the potential departure of Lagerbielke and Nawrocki, implying that this scenario would reflect poorly on the recruitment team, considering the substantial investment made in the two players. Additionally, with Nat Phillips set to return to Liverpool from loan, the situation is viewed as less than ideal.
It’s posited that Rodgers may lean towards acquiring his preferred players in January, and the absence of Lagerbielke and Nawrocki could be signaling the board about the manager’s desires for the upcoming transfer window.
