Photo credit: www.bbc.com

Challenges Ahead for Celtic as Transfer Changes and Injuries Impact Squad

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers recently addressed the ongoing injury situations and transfer developments concerning his squad. The focus has been on player movements as well as immediate challenges ahead of their upcoming match.

Emphasizing the status of Kieran Tierney, who has made one start and four substitute appearances since recovering from injury, Rodgers stated, “He remains, at this moment, an Arsenal player.” The manager expressed hope for a potential transfer before summer, although he acknowledged that negotiations are beyond their control for now.

Regarding Alex Valle, who has contributed 19 appearances primarily as an understudy to Greg Taylor, Rodgers shared disappointment over his departure, noting that Valle is currently in Barcelona and likely to join another club. “We’re saddened by his exit, but it’s time to move forward,” he added.

The departure of Portuguese winger Jota, who returned to Celtic from Rennes, has also left a significant impact on the team. With Kyogo moving in the opposite direction, Rodgers reflected on Jota’s contributions, calling him “an iconic player for the club.” He acknowledged the challenges of losing a player of Jota’s caliber while stressing the importance of finding a suitable replacement in the transfer market.

As Celtic prepares to face Aston Villa in their final Champions League game before the playoffs, the absence of prominent players like Kyogo and Daizen Maeda, who is suspended, poses further challenges. Rodgers noted, “Missing those two will make a difference, but we have other players who can step in and seize the opportunity to make an impression.” Additionally, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Scotland winger James Forrest will also be sidelined due to injuries.

Considering the extent of the injuries, Rodgers mentioned that Carter-Vickers picked up a minor issue in the last match, determining that it’s prudent not to risk him, especially since Celtic has already secured a place in the playoffs regardless of the outcome in Birmingham.

As Celtic navigates through these changes, the coming weeks will be critical for the team in terms of both performance and squad adjustments.

Source
www.bbc.com