Celtic could certainly have done with someone like Arne Engels in the middle of the park against Motherwell, especially with Callum McGregor set to miss the game. Unfortunately, the Belgian international has been out of action since last month. But finally, there is some clarity on when he will be back on the pitch.

Engels was pictured back in training recently. Of course, that raised hope that he could be fit to feature against Motherwell this weekend.

Unfortunately, that is not the case, and he is continuing to undergo treatments. He will be heading back to Belgium soon. But on the positive side of things, Engels' return to the pitch is not a million miles away either.

Martin O'Neill has provided an update on the status of the midfielder. It looks like he is on course to make his return to the pitch after the upcoming international break.

According to The Herald, O'Neill said regarding Engels' fitness situation and when he could be available for Celtic: "He's [Engels] doing fine.

"He's here at this minute, but he's going back. I think there's a place there, back in Belgium, that he can go to.

"He's had a few days at home as well. I think there was a day during the course of the free week we have, instead of him going back on Thursday, I've allowed him to go back on Tuesday.

"He will be doing work there, hopefully not just lazing around at home. He should be back, he really should be back after the international break."

Of course, Engels' return would come as a major boost for Celtic. The club-record did endure a difficult debut campaign in Scotland, but he has certainly grown into the team over time and become an integral part of it.

Fortunately, Engels is set to be back in time for the title run-in. Celtic will certainly need him in the middle of the park if they want to finish the season strong and end up ahead of Hearts and Rangers by match day 38.

In the long run, it is unclear how much longer Engels will remain a Celtic player. There was believed to be an offer on the table of up to £25 million for the Belgian midfielder in the winter.

Celtic did turn it down and understandably so. It would have been impossible to replace someone like Engels in the middle of the season, especially with the team in a weak position at that point. Sanctioning his exit at that time would have been unacceptable.

That being said, if a similar or even higher offer does come in this summer, Celtic might change their stance on Engels' exit. After all, it is very clear what the transfer model is. Bringing in players, having them at the club for a few years and then moving them on for a profit.

That is exactly what will have happened if Celtic can get a £25 million transfer fee out of Engels' departure, someone they signed for around £11 million. And someone, who in the eyes of many has not met expectations since his club-record move.

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