Celtic are facing a fresh injury concern just 48 hours before their biggest game of the season so far.
Key midfielder was nowhere to be seen at training on Friday morning.
Celtic Star Missing Ahead of Old Firm Cup Clash
The German international has become a vital figure for Martin O’Neill’s side in recent weeks.
His absence comes at the worst possible moment as the Hoops prepare to travel to Ibrox for the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Rangers.
The star player joined Celtic from Paderborn in the summer for a fee reported to be around £6 million.
The 22-year-old has quickly settled into life at Parkhead and already looks like a shrewd acquisition.
Midweek Hero Now Injury Doubt
Only three days ago Baur produced the decisive moment in Perth.
His goal secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over St Johnstone and kept Celtic’s strong domestic form intact.
That strike was typical of the energy and quality he has brought to the midfield.
Fans and coaches alike expected him to start against Rangers if fully fit.
His non-appearance at Friday’s session immediately raised eyebrows among those watching training.
It remains unclear whether the issue is a knock, illness, or simply a precautionary measure.
What We Know So Far
Celtic have not yet issued an official statement on Baur’s situation.
Sources close to the club suggest the medical staff will assess him again on Saturday morning.
If he fails to prove his fitness, Martin O’Neill will be forced into a late tactical rethink.
The veteran manager already has several options available in the middle of the park.
Celtic’s Midfield Options for Ibrox
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is fully available and has looked sharp in recent appearances.
The experienced Englishman brings composure and the ability to control the tempo of big matches.
Danish loanee Oliver Sorensen is also pushing for a start after impressing since his arrival.
Young Dutch talent Joel van den Berg remains another alternative should O’Neill decide to rotate.
Despite the summer overhaul in midfield, Celtic still possess genuine depth in the position.
That depth will be tested if Baur is ruled out of Sunday’s derby.
Recent Form and Momentum
Celtic head into the Old Firm clash on the back of solid results.
The win at St Johnstone extended their positive run and kept them near the top of the Premiership table.
O’Neill’s side have shown improved organisation and cutting edge since the start of the campaign.
Baur’s energy in transitions has been a major factor in that improvement.
His ability to break lines and arrive late in the box has given Celtic a different dimension.
Losing that quality against Rangers would represent a significant blow.
Tactical Implications for the Derby
Rangers will be without several key players themselves heading into the quarter-final.
Yet the absence of a player of Baur’s calibre still tilts the balance slightly.
Celtic usually rely on midfield control to dictate Old Firm games.
Without Baur’s dynamism, O’Neill may need to adjust his pressing triggers and rest defence.
A more conservative approach could see Oxlade-Chamberlain sitting deeper.
Alternatively, the manager might trust Sorensen to replicate Baur’s high-intensity style.
Either way, the tactical puzzle has become more complex overnight.
Supporters will be watching Saturday’s training session with particular interest.
Fan Reaction Across Social Media
Celtic supporters reacted with a mixture of concern and measured optimism on Friday.
Many took to social media to express frustration at the timing of the potential injury.
“Just when we need him most,” one popular account posted alongside footage of Baur’s goal against St Johnstone.
Others pointed to the squad depth and urged calm ahead of the weekend.
Rangers fans, as expected, were less sympathetic.
Several accounts suggested the absence could hand their side a psychological edge before kick-off.
The debate has already dominated the usual pre-derby conversation.
By Sunday lunchtime the focus will shift firmly to the pitch at Ibrox.
The Wider Context of the Fixture
This Premier Sports Cup quarter-final represents the first Old Firm meeting of the current season.
Both clubs view the competition as a realistic route to silverware.
Celtic have enjoyed strong recent form in cup ties under O’Neill.
They will be determined to continue that record despite the late injury scare.
Rangers, meanwhile, will see Baur’s possible absence as an opportunity to disrupt Celtic’s rhythm.
The home crowd at Ibrox is expected to create a hostile atmosphere from the first whistle.
Historical rivalry ensures every selection decision carries extra weight.
O’Neill knows that losing a key starter this close to the game can unsettle even the most experienced squads.
What Happens Next
Celtic’s medical team will conduct further checks on Baur throughout Friday evening and Saturday.
A final decision on his availability is unlikely before the pre-match press conference.
If the German midfielder is forced to miss out, the focus will quickly turn to who replaces him.
Oxlade-Chamberlain remains the most experienced option and may get the nod for his big-game pedigree.
Younger alternatives such as Sorensen would signal a more progressive selection.
Either choice will be scrutinised heavily by supporters and pundits alike.
Looking Beyond Sunday
Even if Baur is unavailable this weekend, Celtic will hope any issue is short-term.
The fixture list remains congested with domestic and European commitments approaching.
Maintaining squad freshness has already been a priority for O’Neill this season.
An unexpected injury to a first-choice midfielder would test that planning further.
For now the priority remains clear.
Celtic need to establish the exact nature of Baur’s problem and prepare the rest of the squad for a high-stakes afternoon at Ibrox.
The Premier Sports Cup offers a genuine chance of early silverware.
Losing a key creative force so close to the match only raises the stakes higher.
Final Thoughts Ahead of the Clash
Mika Baur’s absence from training has injected genuine uncertainty into Celtic’s preparations.
Whether the issue proves minor or more serious will become clear over the next 24 hours.
What is already certain is that Martin O’Neill faces a selection headache he could have done without.
The Old Firm rarely needs extra drama, yet this late development has provided it.
Celtic supporters will hope their midfield star is simply being managed carefully.
Rangers will quietly welcome any disruption to their rivals’ plans.
Sunday’s quarter-final already promised intensity and emotion.
The possible loss of Baur has only sharpened the edge.
All eyes now turn to Celtic’s final training session and the official team news.
Until then, the injury worry surrounding one of the club’s most important summer signings remains the dominant talking point.