FIRST the good news, Tom Rogic is ready to feature in tomorrow evening’s vital Champions League qualifier against Rosenborg at Celtic Park.
The Australian returned from his two week break after his World Cup campaign just over a week ago and is now up to speed with the rest of the gathered squad and ready to contribute to the Champions League qualifiers.
However Moussa Dembele is doubtful and will only be risked for tomorrow if Brendan Rodgers is 100% convinced on his fitness. Dembele pulled up early in the second half against Alashkert, complaining of tightness in his hamstring.
Celtic’s medical team have been busy on this problem all week but may feel that the risk of losing him for the second leg and if we get through the games against AEK Athens is too high so the French striker could be on the bench tomorrow, leaving Odsonne Edouard as a lone striker on the night.
Mikael Lustig has just returned from his leave and would only feature tomorrow in an emergency, so Brendan Rodgers may be tempted to have him on the bench, given the lack of numbers he has for the central defensive positions.
Dedryck Boyata remains on a beach in Greece and is likely to be the subject of some serious interest when he returns sometime next week. The Belgian has been offered a new contract by Celtic but such is his profile from the World Cup, he has plenty of other possibilities to consider and could opt to reject Celtic’s offer in favour of a big money move to England.
Celtic would sell rather than allow him to play out his final year of his current four year deal.
And Jozo Simunovic, who is suspended for tomorrow after his latest red card, could also be on the move in this window. UEFA could also increase the one match ban when they consider it on Friday.
