Celtic look like a team that has run out of ideas and energy at the moment. The Hoops' most recent result was a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Dundee United. With just seven games left in the league, that leaves them in a bad position.

Hearts are now back in a five-point lead over the Hoops again. On the other hand, Celtic now find themselves a couple of points behind the Rangers as well.

So, Martin O'Neill's side can be perfect from here on forward, and even that might not turn out to be enough to secure them the league title. That is not a position that you ever want to be in.

Anyways, let's turn our attention to positive things for a bit. It looks like Celtic are set to be boosted by the return of Arne Engels very soon.

Engels has been out injured since suffering a thigh injury in the game against Livingston last month. And to be honest, Celtic have taken a step or two back in his absence.

Fortunately, it looks like Engels is on the verge of making his return to the pitch, which is something Celtic desperately need at this point in time. According to The Herald, O'Neill said about the midfielder:

"It's interesting sometimes, it's only when somebody's not playing do you actually miss them. I think that would be the case with Arne [Engels].

"But he's keen to get back and I think after the international break, he should be ready."

Engels was signed by Celtic in a club-record deal from Augsburg. He was viewed as the replacement for the outgoing Matt O'Riley. And perhaps that is why he did not get the plaudits that he deserves for quite some time.

Engels is not the same player as O'Riley. They are very different. And putting them in the same bracket is not ideal for either.

Engels brings something very different to this Celtic team. His absence has been quite clear over the last several weeks.

Now, Engels is set to return and one would hope that it lifts this team. They do need a lift badly, to be frank.

Engels' long-term future at Celtic still remains in doubt though. There were heavy rumours of a move to Nottingham Forest in the winter. Celtic were not willing to let him leave in the middle of the season, but it feels like their resolve was tested to its very limit.

It is believed that Nottingham Forest put in offers as high as £25 million for Engels. And while Celtic might have resisted in the winter, they might not do that if similar bids are made in the summer transfer window.

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