Celtic ‘intensify Michel Balikwisha pursuit’ amid worrying injury update
Celtic are facing an injury crisis at the wrong time for manager Brendan Rodgers ahead of their crucial Champions League decider.
Criticism was aimed at Celtic after their shock 0-0 draw against Kazakhstan side Kairat Almaty in the Champions League play-off first-leg.
A place in the league stages now hinges on the second-leg in Asia, where three first team stars are expected to miss the crunch match.
Rodgers has been frustrated at Celtic’s lack of transfer business, which has seen them left short in forward areas after the sales of Kyogo in January and Nicolas Kuhn to Como this summer.
Rodgers faced with selection dilemmas
As per the Daily Record [22 August], the injuries to key players have stacked up for Rodgers after the Champions League first-leg.
Alastair Johnston was stretched off in the first half and the diagnosis has concluded it was a hamstring injury which will keep the Canadian out until November.
Adam Idah is a doubt for the second leg with a knee injury, whilst Auston Trusty has a foot problem which could keep the defender out for weeks.
Amid the triple blow for Rodgers, the Daily Record [22 August], report that Celtic are stepping up efforts to conclude a deal for winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha.
The deal would be worth £4.5million and add would be a much needed option to Rodger’s forward line.
Celtic step up transfer business
Football Insider Verdict
With the transfer window deadline looming, injuries to three key players have sparked Celtic into business.
The capture of 24-year-old Balikwisha would provide extra threat and dynamism down the left flank and allow Daizen Maeda to convert to a central striker amid the poor form of Adam Idah.
Balikwisha has been a regular contributor of goals for Royal Antwerp in Belgium, something that Idah and winger Yang are not providing in the Celtic team right now.
| Appearances | 145 |
| Goals | 30 |
| Assists | 17 |
Celtic look reliant on Maeda for the bulk of their goals, which will not stand the Hoops in good stead if they progress through to the league stages of the Champions League.
Financially, that clash could further provide Celtic with the funds to strengthen their squad, but even if they drop into the Europa League, signings are still required.
A right-back though could be a necessity with Johnston out, which could be the biggest injury blow to Rodgers.
Johnston has been a reliable performer and Celtic are weaker defensively for his absence.