Martin O’Neill’s task just got even harder as injury update emerges ahead of Stuttgart vs Celtic
Celtic have a daunting task ahead of them as they prepare to try and save their Europa League campaign away at Stuttgart on Thursday night.
The Bhoys went into the opening clash of their play-off tie in high spirits after some strong domestic form, but quickly found themselves dismantled by the Bundesliga outfit at Celtic Park.
Stuttgart triumphed 4-1 away from home as they gave themselves a commanding lead to take into the second leg, with the German outfit already having one foot in the next round of the competition.
Martin O’Neill will be under no illusions as to the mountain that his side will have to climb if they are to salvage their Europa League campaign, but the task facing them has just become even more difficult.
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VISIT THE CELTIC MATCH HUBStuttgart’s star man likely to feature despite injury scare
Stuttgart are enjoying another strong season as they currently sit fourth in the Bundesliga, and the gulf between the two teams was evident in last week’s first leg.
It will take one of the all-time great Celtic performances in order to flip the tie on its head on Thursday, and the hosts have just been handed another major boost over the fitness of star midfielder Angelo Stiller.
The 24-year-old has been a key performer for Sebastian Hoeness’ side so far this term, and even attracted strong interest from Manchester United in the early part of the season.
He had looked set to miss out on the second leg against Celtic after going off injured during the 3-3 draw with Heidenheim on Sunday, but Bild understands that he could be back in the squad for Thursday’s clash.
An MRI scan on Monday revealed that his knee injury is not as serious as first feared, and he is likely to remain in the fold in midweek.
It remains to be seen whether Hoeness will be willing to risk his key man in the second leg, but Stiller’s presence in the squad alone will make it all the more difficult for the Bhoys.
Martin O’Neill to ring Celtic changes vs Stuttgart
There has been plenty of speculation in recent days as to whether Celtic will make significant changes to their team, given the substantial deficit that they are facing at the halfway stage of the tie.
Football Insider predicted the XI that will line up against Stuttgart on Thursday, and O’Neill could potentially make as many as six changes as he aims to keep the squad fresh for the weekend’s crucial Old Firm clash.
Viljami Sinisalo may finally replace Kasper Schmeichel in goal as the veteran continues to feel the heat from supporters, while there is also potential for the likes of James Forrest and Junior Adamu to come in at the top of the pitch.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Benjamin Nygren both started in the midfield against Hibernian, but could find themselves rested in favour of Luke McCowan and Reo Hatate for the trip to Germany.