CELTIC have some serious injury problems for tonight’s vital Europa League Group stages match against Red Bull Salzburg.
Inspirational skipper Scott Brown is almost certainly out and could even be sidelined for a number of weeks. Manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed that the captain did not train yesterday after complaining of a hamstring problem and the boss is reluctant to risk playing Broony in case a much longer lay-off is the outcome.
Already missing are new loan signing Filip Benkovic and talisman Tom Rogic, although the Australian should be fine for the weekend.
Jozo Simunovic was a surprise addition to the party that travelled yesterday afternoon to Austria and could make the bench. The Croatian has been sidelined for the past month or so with a knee injury.
Marvin Compper of course was nowhere to be seen – surely it’s time to call it a day with him?
“We’ll need to have a look at Broony. He could be struggling. He didn’t train this morning.
“Tom Rogic is out, but he should be OK for Sunday,” Brendan confirmed.
“It’s just weighing up the risk of the longer-term scenario with Broony. I would never take a risk on any player if it meant he could be out longer term.
“Scott’s brilliant for me. You know if he can’t play then he genuinely can’t play.
“It’s a tightness in his hamstring. He’s had issues with it before over a number of years.
“If he can recover for the weekend then fine. If he’s no good for the weekend, he’ll be back after the international break.”
Rodgers also confirmed that Odsonne Edouard has recovered from the wild tackle from Scott McKenna – which yesterday saw the Aberdeen defender issued with a Notice of Complaint from the SFA’s Compliance Officer – see HERE –
“I’d expected him to be back. It was only a dead leg. He’s moving on in training, so that’s been good.”
So without Scott Brown Celtic are likely to give new signing Youssouf Mulumbu his European debut for the club.
Celtic might line up something like this, with Brendan having to decide whether to play Edouard or keep Scotty Sinclair in the team after his change in fortunes at the weekend. His confidence will be sky high and his pace could see Celtic counter attacking effectively…
Gordon
Lustig Hendry Boyata Tienney
Mulumbu Ntcham
Forrest McGregor Edouard/Sinclair
Griffiths
Could be a tough shift without Broony though but at least we are not going to be playing a team happy to sit in – it has the makings of a very good game. Would take a draw now though!
SIX other features to read on The Celtic Star…
Paul Larkin said it best – “Anyone but Celtic” – Celtic Noise…See HERE.
Jack in the Box, Social Media Sticks and Stones……See HERE.
Jim Craig – Pat Crerand, Celtic’s loss was Man Utd’s gain…See HERE.
‘Embrace the challenge,’ Celtic boss aims to exploit Salzburg ‘weak points’…See HERE.
Celtic condemn ‘irrational and discriminatory’ SPFL decisionSee HERE.
Celtic condemn ‘irrational and discriminatory’ SPFL decisionSee HERE.
