AIK are sweating over a fitness concern for their loud-mouthed striker Tarik Elyounoussi. The Norwegian hit-man missed the first leg at Celtic Park last week through suspension and is now regarded as being doubtful for the second leg in Stockholm on Thursday after picking up an calf injury on the first half of AIK’s match at the weekend against Ostersund.
AIK went on to win the match 3-1.
Elyounoussi is AIK’s top scorer this season so they will be desperate to have him available as they try to overcome the 2-0 deficit from the first leg. Celtic know that if they score once then the Swedes will need to put four past Craig Gordon, who Neil Lennon has confirmed will start, if they are to go through to the Europa League Group stages.
Celtic of course will be mindful of Sunday’s Glasgow Derby at Ibrox but AIK also have a huge local derby this weekend when they play Djurgardens in a top of the table clash.
“I’m hoping the injury isn’t too bad because we have two really important games this week against Celtic and Djurgardens,” Elyounoussi told the Swedish media, as reported by Daily Record.
“I came off because I didn’t want to take any chances and make the injury worse. It feels sore now, but I am praying it’s not too bad. I will get a scan once it settles down.”
Last week Elyounoussi was mouthing off about AIK having nothing to fear playing at Celtic Park.
“Of course Celtic have a lot of experience in Europe, but they have not been so good in recent years.
“We will not be dazzled by Celtic. When you hear the name Celtic, you think they are a big team but they lost four goals at home to Cluj and the Scottish league is not so good,” he said, as reported on The Celtic Star.
Elyounoussi has been capped 55 times for Norway and has scored 17 goals in 36 games for AIK since signing from Qarabag last year.
CELTIC SUPPORTER IN STOCKHOLM LOOKING FOR A FAVOUR…
I’m Celtic fan living here in Stockholm and in need of a bit of help. I’ve been trying to order a Scotland shirt online over the last few days for a guy I play football with but keep hitting a barrier of either it’s way too expensive or simply unavailable.
Last night I thought of asking if any of my pals were coming over for the AIK second leg (I would have asked them to buy the shirt and bring it with them) but none seem to be making the trip. Thought I’d ask on the off chance that anyone might be a) attending the game and b) super kind enough to bring with them a Scotland shirt which I’d reimburse for happily buy a pint or two in Stockholm. The shirt is available for £25 in JD Sports (but they don’t deliver to Sweden). I’m looking for a size medium.
I’ve got tickets for the match myself so could easily meet by the stadium or during the day beforehand in town.
I know this is a bit of a stretch but sometimes great things happen when you reach out.
Totally understand if this is a no go, but if it’s something you might be able to help with or feel you could pass on to a friend it’d be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Chris Mitchell
If anyone is going to the game on Thursday and can assist Chris please email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk and I’ll pass put you in touch.
Join in the debate on Celtic Noise. Signing up is quick and easy and you’ll be assured a very warm welcome!
‘It is a massive week ahead for Celtic FC and Celtic PLC. It should never have had to be this way,’ Niall J…see HERE.
‘It’s a great club and the fans are incredible,’ Two Goal, Man of the Match Bayo…see HERE.
Defeated Levein,’ I feel ten times worse’ – more bitter than ever after defeat to Celtic…see HERE.
Sandman’s Definitive Ratings – Celtic v Cousins…see HERE.
Celtic 3 Hearts 1 – Bayo’s Beautiful Sunday…see HERE.
UEFA stamp on the ‘Racist and Sectarian’ Rangers support – The politics of the Celtic Songbook…see HERE.
