Report: Celtic boost as PSG’s Motta injured, two could also miss clash

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Celtic face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Celtic have received a huge boost after the Scottish Herald reported that Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Thiago Motta has been ruled out of Wednesday night’s Champions League clash.

The Hoops travel to Paris with the aim of qualifying for Europa League football after Christmas, as they currently sit in third and three points ahead of challengers Anderlecht with two Group B games remaining.

Rodgers’ side fought bravely last time out in the elite competition, but their 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich means the knockout stages of the Champions League are no longer a possibility.

The report claims 30-time Italy international Motta is sidelined with a knee injury, after first complaining of the problem following a Ligue 1 match against Montpellier in September. He has failed to feature in PSG’s last two league games.

It is also claimed that Celtic could be in line for an even further boost, with Julian Draxler and Thomas Meunier both set to be rested ahead of Wednesday night’s clash as PSG face Nantes on Saturday with their fitness a concern.

Motta, 35, now requires knee surgery and is not expected to feature for the French giants until 2018, which will give Celtic further optimism of defying the odds after his ding-dong battles with Hoops captain Scott Brown during the 5-0 defeat in September.

Celtic face Ross County away from home on Saturday, as they look to make it 64 matches unbeaten and go six points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership table – if Hibernian and Aberdeen both suffer defeats.