Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has revealed influential skipper Callum McGregor has returned to training ahead of the clash with Rangers.
The 28-year-old has missed the last two games against Hearts and Dundee United after he suffered a facial injury against Alloa.
And there was more good news as Parkhead boss Postecoglou insisted Daizen Maeda is in contention to make the squad after limited minutes against Saudi Arabia for Japan on Tuesday.
McGregor has been spotted at recent matches with significant bruising on his face but now is back in the mix for the big one against Rangers.
The Scotland international was left nursing a sore one after being caught by Alloa's Adam King and the initial prognosis painted a gloomy picture.
But McGregor has been in attendance during recent games and appears ready to feature against the Premiership champions.
With Nir Bitton suspended it would be a huge boost and Postecoglou said: "Cal trained with the team today but I'm not really sure about tomorrow. I'll make a decision on that later."
Meanwhile, Maeda will now fly back to Scotland and his manager has refused to rule him out of featuring against their fierce rivals.
He said: "We'll see how he is. He gets in tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. He played 20 minutes, I haven't seen the game and we haven't spoken to him. "I will probably have a chat with him tomorrow when he lands and see how he feels. He definitely won't start but he has a chance for the squad. We will just see how he is."
Postecoglou is resigned to being without Tom Rogic for the visit of Rangers. Rogic's Australia team kick off against Oman in Muscat at 4pm on Tuesday UK time.
Postecoglou said: "Tommy will play (for Australia). He will play 90 minutes so you can pretty much rule him out."
Celtic will go top with a win over Gio Van Bronckhorst's side after two dramatic late goals on Saturday led to a four-point swing.
Never miss the latest news or sport headlines again. Sign up to the Daily Record's newsletters here.
