Mika Baur Celtic Injury Update Emerges Ahead of Crucial Hearts Clash

Celtic midfielder Mika Baur suffered a dead leg during the club’s defeat to Benfica, leaving his availability for the clash with Hearts in doubt.

The German midfielder joined the Scottish Premiership champions from Paderborn during the summer and has established himself as a regular in Martin O’Neill’s side.

Despite the setback, Baur was back in training at Lennoxtown on Saturday as Celtic prepared for their meeting with Hearts on Sunday.

Speaking to Sky Sports, O’Neill revealed that the midfielder had picked up the knock but remained hopeful he would be ready to feature.

“Obviously we travelled back yesterday (Friday). Mika had a dead leg at the time.

“We’ll see how he is tomorrow (Sunday). I’m sure he’ll want to play.”

Baur’s return to training offers Celtic some encouragement, although his fitness will need to be assessed before a final decision is made on his involvement.

O’Neill also provided an update on central defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, indicating that the American could return for next Sunday’s trip to face Hibernian at Easter Road.

The Celtic manager additionally backed striker Kasper Hogh to overcome his recent struggles in front of goal, insisting he remains confident in the forward’s ability to deliver.

“At the end of the season, I expect Kasper Hogh to score 20 goals,” O’Neill said.

“He has lost a bit of confidence; we will get that back during the course of time.

“We have game, after game, after game between now and January, but he will score goals for us; there is no question about it, and it is just a matter of tinkering around, but that’s the nature of the business.”

Celtic will hope Baur is fit enough to feature against Hearts as they look to respond to their European disappointment, while O’Neill will also be keen to help Hogh rediscover his scoring touch during a demanding run of fixtures.