Brendan Rodgers has delivered an encouraging injury update ahead of Celtic’s monumental Champions League tie against Young Boys on Wednesday night. The Hoops boss confirmed that, apart from long-term absentee James Forrest, he has a fully fit squad to choose from.
Speaking ahead of the crucial encounter, Rodgers told Celtsarehere: “Yes, everyone is ready apart from James Forrest. The rest of the squad is fit and prepared for the game.”
Forrest, who has been sidelined with a significant injury, is not expected to return to action until late February. However, the availability of the rest of the squad, including Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kühn, comes as a timely boost.
Both players had missed recent matches due to fitness concerns but are now back in contention after coming through the weekend unscathed, adding depth and quality to Rodgers’ attacking options.
Celtic Finding Form at the Right Time
Celtic head into the midweek clash on the back of a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock on Saturday evening. Goals from Callum McGregor and Nicolas Kühn secured the win, with the team’s movement and chance creation catching the eye, even if the scoreline didn’t fully reflect their dominance.
The Hoops will need to build on that performance, particularly in the final third, where a more clinical edge could prove decisive. Against Kilmarnock, Celtic showcased their ability to carve open the defence, and if they can replicate that fluidity while finishing their chances, they stand a strong chance of progressing in Europe.
Champions League History on the Line
With a win on Wednesday, Celtic could secure a place in the Champions League knockout stages for the first time since the 2012/13 campaign. Rodgers will be hoping his side can rise to the occasion in front of what is sure to be a raucous Celtic Park crowd.
Having a fully fit squad—bar Forrest—is a massive boost for the manager, who now has the tools at his disposal to go toe-to-toe with Young Boys. The return of Maeda and Kühn, in particular, could add the spark needed to turn the Hoops’ recent strong performances into a memorable European night.
Celtic fans will be dreaming of history, and if the team can combine their creativity with a ruthless touch in front of goal, the dream may very well become reality.
We choked early against brugge so need to be up for this and supporters won’t listen to excuses or hard luck stories or slack play at the back need to be strong pass forward when pressed midfielders have to be taken the ball in and and pass it to on coming players as forwards have to wingers available take there man on down the wing going inside gives oppents a chance to put a foot in and distrubt play or worse give them a chance to attack our centre backs