Celtic have received a major lift on the injury front after Colby Donovan was spotted back out on the pitch at Lennoxtown today, only days after a worrying moment while on international duty.
The young defender had been stretchered off during Scotland Under-21s’ game last week, sparking real fears that he could face a long spell out. Donovan went down in the second half against Gibraltar, causing an immediate stoppage as medical staff rushed on to treat him.
He was taken straight to hospital, and although initial scans ruled out any fractures, the heavy swelling around his ankle left both Celtic and Scotland awaiting more detailed assessments. Seeing him moving freely again in training will go a long way toward easing those concerns.
Scotland U21 coach Scott Gemmill had already offered some reassurance after the match, explaining that the X-ray was clear and praising the quick reaction of the medical team. Celtic still planned to carry out their own checks once the defender returned to Glasgow, and his involvement at training today suggests the club are happy with how he is recovering.
Despite the positive signs, Celtic are expected to manage his return carefully. They won’t risk rushing Donovan into competitive matches until all swelling and any ligament issues have fully cleared. With Alistair Johnston still working back from surgery and defensive numbers already thin, there may be a temptation to push him back sooner—but the priority remains protecting his long-term fitness.
His appearance comes at a crucial point in the schedule, with Celtic facing a packed run of league and cup fixtures and limited options at the back. Even limited participation from Donovan eases some pressure on the remaining defenders and gives the coaching staff extra flexibility during a demanding spell.
The 19-year-old has been gradually establishing himself in the senior squad this season, impressing with his versatility and composure whenever opportunities have arisen. That made last week’s incident all the more alarming, so seeing him reintegrated so quickly provides a significant boost. Supporters will be especially relieved after seeing him stretchered off, a situation that usually signals a lengthy absence.
Celtic will continue to monitor his condition closely over the coming days, but the early signs are encouraging. Whether he is available immediately or a little further down the line, Donovan’s return to training is a timely boost—and a reminder of just how important he has become to this squad.
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