Celtic Suffer Major Injury Crisis Ahead of Besiktas Showdown as Six Stars Ruled Out and Three More Face Fitness Tests

Celtic have been dealt a significant injury setback ahead of their crucial Europa League encounter against Besiktas, with as many as six players potentially unavailable and three others facing doubts over their fitness.

Martin O’Neill’s side are preparing for a must-win European fixture at Celtic Park on Thursday, November 5, as they desperately seek their first points in this season’s Europa League campaign.

The Hoops have endured a difficult start to the competition, losing their opening three matches against Ferencvaros, Benfica and Celta Vigo. With their hopes of reaching the knockout stages already under serious pressure, another disappointing result would leave Celtic facing an uphill battle.

However, their preparations have been complicated by several injury concerns within the squad.

Six Players Set to Miss the Besiktas Clash

One of Celtic’s biggest concerns is the absence of Alistair Johnston, who suffered another hamstring injury just 13 minutes into his comeback against Hibernian.

The Canadian right-back is not expected to return until after the international break, representing another frustrating setback for both the player and the club.

South Korean winger Yang Hyun-jun is also a major doubt. He has been sidelined since September with a hamstring problem and could return to training this week, although Thursday’s encounter may come too soon.

Meanwhile, Jota remains unavailable for the European fixture despite recently returning from a lengthy injury lay-off. The Portuguese winger has not been registered in Celtic’s Europa League squad and is therefore ineligible to feature.

Celtic could also be without Auston Trusty, while Joël van den Berg remains among the players unavailable through injury.

Three More Players Facing Fitness Concerns

The situation could become even more complicated for O’Neill, with several other players requiring assessment ahead of the game.

Kieran Tierney is among those facing a fitness test after picking up knocks during Celtic’s recent defeat against Falkirk.

Oliver Sørensen’s availability is also uncertain after being given time away for personal reasons.

There are further concerns surrounding Yang Hyun-jun, whose potential return from injury remains uncertain.

These fitness issues leave O’Neill with important decisions to make as he prepares his team for one of their most important European fixtures of the season.

Besiktas Also Have Injury Problems

Celtic are not the only side dealing with selection difficulties.

Besiktas will also be without several important players, including their influential captain Orkun Kökçü, who is recovering from a heel injury.

Milot Rashica and Fabio Miretti are among the other players facing injury problems, while Ümit Akdağ is also unavailable.

However, the Turkish side have enjoyed a considerably stronger start to their Europa League campaign, collecting seven points from their opening three matches.

They have recorded impressive victories over Marseille and Hoffenheim before drawing with Crystal Palace.

Celtic Cannot Afford Another European Disappointment

For Celtic, Thursday’s encounter represents an opportunity to revive their European campaign and restore some confidence after their disappointing domestic and continental performances.

O’Neill will be aware that his team cannot afford another setback, particularly with supporters expecting a much-improved performance at Celtic Park.

The injury situation certainly makes preparations more difficult, but Celtic must find a way to overcome their personnel problems and deliver a positive result.

With Besiktas arriving in Glasgow in strong European form, the Scottish champions face a demanding test.

All eyes will now be on O’Neill’s final team selection and whether any of Celtic’s doubtful players can recover in time for Thursday’s crucial showdown.