Brendan Rodgers impressed by Celtic striker Moussa Dembele in training

Follow us on Google Discover

Celtic striker Moussa Dembele is closing in on a return from injury, with Brendan Rodgers impressed by the striker’s performances in training.

Brendan Rodgers has told the Glasgow Evening Times that he has been very impressed by Moussa Dembele in Celtic training.

Dembele has missed the season so far with injury for Celtic, but is pushing for a return now.

The striker’s comeback to fitness has come at the perfect time for Rodgers, as Odsonne Edouard is currently out injured.

And although Dembele is not fit enough to start for Celtic tonight in their Champions League clash with AEK Athens, the Frenchman could feature from the bench, after impressing in training for the Bhoys.

“We’ll assess [Moussa] after training,” Rodgers said. “In the last couple of days, he’s trained very well. In yesterday’s session he looked great – fast and dynamic.

“So, we’ll have a final look, have a chat with him and see how he feels. But I know from himself he’s very keen to be involved.

“It’s always about weighing up the risk but I think he looks in really good shape. It would be too much of a risk to play him from the beginning but I’m sure at some point he’ll play.”

Dembele could have a crucial role to play for Celtic tonight, as their future in the Champions League hangs in the balance.

Celtic were only able to manage a 1-1 draw at home against AEK, despite playing against 10 men for a sizeable chunk of the contest.

Rodgers’ side now know they must find the back of the net in Greece to have any chance of progressing to the next round of qualification.

Leigh Griffiths looks the most likely man to start up-front for Celtic, with Rodgers’ options short.