Celtic’s starting XI for the trip to St Mirren dropped at 6.45pm, and one name missing from both the lineup and the bench immediately caught the support’s attention.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, who only recently made his long-awaited debut against Kilmarnock, is nowhere to be seen. His absence stands out sharply given the expectation that he would kick on after the international break and continue to push for minutes.
Instead, Celtic will line up with Anthony Ralston at right-back, while youngster Colby Donovan takes a seat on the bench. Donovan’s inclusion is positive on its own, representing a significant step forward in his development.
The announcement of the squad gave no explanation, and the club has offered no pre-match insight into injuries or selection decisions. That silence only adds to the sense of confusion around Simpson-Pusey’s status. After months waiting for a chance, a solid debut against Kilmarnock, and talk of fresh opportunities coming after the break, this latest turn has left supporters wondering whether this is a minor setback or something more telling about where he stands in the pecking order.
Celtic’s defensive options have been stretched at times this season, making any sudden disappearance even more striking. With Ralston back in the starting role and Donovan providing cover, the absence of Simpson-Pusey raises immediate questions about what happened between the end of the Kilmarnock match and today’s team selection. Supporters looking for continuity and competition in the back line are instead met with another unexplained gap in the squad list.
Ralston’s selection at right-back is unsurprising in isolation. His physicality and experience make him a reliable option for a tough away fixture, and he remains trusted in these situations. But the wider defensive setup, and specifically the choice to place Donovan on the bench, makes Simpson-Pusey’s absence impossible to overlook. Many expected him to resume his role as cover or rotation after the break, particularly given how long it took him to get his first appearance.
Donovan, still early in his senior development, has impressed staff behind the scenes and earned this place through consistency. His involvement is a positive reflection on the academy. The timing, however, ensures it will also fuel speculation about why Simpson-Pusey is not involved at all.
This was supposed to be a reset point for several squad players, a chance to re-establish roles and rhythm. For Simpson-Pusey, it becomes another moment of uncertainty. Instead of building on the momentum gained earlier this month, he finds himself back on the outside looking in, and supporters are already debating whether this signals a setback or a temporary absence.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 09: Celtic’s Jahami Simpson-Pusey applauds the fans as he is substituted off during a William Hill premiership match between Celtic and Kilmarnock at Celtic Park, on November 09 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Paul Byars / Alamy Live News)
With Celtic entering a crucial run of fixtures stretching deep into December, squad depth will be tested again and again. If Simpson-Pusey is dealing with a minor issue, his absence may be short-lived. If the decision is tactical or based on training ground performance, he may face another uphill climb. Either way, his omission has become one of the standout talking points hours before kick-off.
As the team prepares to take the pitch in Paisley, the questions surrounding Simpson-Pusey will remain unanswered until someone at the club provides clarity. For now, all supporters know is that a player who appeared to be edging into the first-team picture has vanished from the squad on the night Celtic return from the break, and the timing could hardly be more curious.
