Ange Postecoglou has addressed the reason for Aaron Mooy's omission from the Celtic squad for the Aberdeen game.
The Australia international - as well as David Turnbull - was not included in the Hoops contingent for the Saturday afternoon visit of the Dons to Parkhead.
Postecoglou told BBC Sportsound: "Turnbull picked up an injury in the last game so he'll miss today and Aaron pulled up a bit sore yesterday but with those two [Reo Hatate and Matt O'Riley] really fresh it made sense for us to bring them in."
Mooy has been a virtual ever-present since joining Celtic during the summer. After an initial period characterised by sub appearances as he built up his match fitness, the 32-year-old forced his way into the starting reckoning with a series of impressive displays.
The Aberdeen match is the first time since the October 5 Champions League loss to RB Leipzig in Germany that the champions have been without Mooy for a competitive matchday squad.
Mooy has six goals and six assists across 1,691 minutes of action for Celtic so far this term.
The midfielder, who starred for his nation at the World Cup during the winter, recently talked up how much he enjoys playing for Celtic.
He said: "There are lots of details that go into that. Just positionally, in movements, defensively, when we have the ball and when we don't.
"There are lots of things but I'm just trying to improve and get better at it. Yeah, that's it... it's simple.
"It's a good team to play in, it's enjoyable. We play good football, there's lots of movement. When I have the ball there are lots of people making runs - that's what I like. I like to play the ball in behind sometimes and yeah it's an enjoyable place to play."
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