RB’s Swedish play-maker Emil Forsberg is struggling with a groin injury and is not expected to be available again until late November.
Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic must defeat the Bundesliga side by at least three goals to move up to second in the group. The Bhoys will be looking for all the help they can get as they strive to keep their European football dream alive for this season.
Therefore, the recent quotes on afp.com about Forsberg’s injury from RB’s manager, Ralf Rangnick, will be music to the ears of Hoops’ fans everywhere.
“I assume he will be available at the latest after the next international break,” said Rangnick. “The medical department is working at full speed.”
RB won 2-0 when the sides met in Germany almost two weeks ago, and that victory put them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament.
Celtic manager Rodgers will be well aware that Rangnick selected a weakened team for that game and RB still had enough about them to take all three points.
Emil Forsberg is central to RB’s creativity, however, and Celtic will take it as a positive that the Swedish international has been ruled out. Forsberg has chipped in with three goals and two assists in all competitions for RB Leipzig so far this season.
Timo Werner was on the bench for the last meeting between the teams and Rodgers will be hoping that’s where he stays this week as well due to the German’s recent form. Werner has scored four goals in his last two games for RB Leipzig.
Rodgers knows his team are facing possibly the toughest challenge of their season on Thursday night and he’ll be hoping the Celtic Park faithful can create a cauldron of noise to welcome their opponents. Whether the Scottish champions can get the result they need with the help of their passionate home support, only time will tell.
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