Celtic are struggling once again at centre-back ahead of the Europa League matches against Zenit.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been quoted by the Daily Record as saying that Dedryck Boyata is almost certainly unavailable for the Europa League clash against Zenit St. Petersburg.
Celtic face Roberto Mancini’s Russian giants on February 15 at Parkhead, before travelling to Russia a week later for the second leg of the round of 32 tie.
However, Rodgers will be wishing the clash was not just around the corner, as Belgium international Boyata joins a whole host of injured stars unavailable to play against Zenit after picking up the injury against Kilmarnock on Saturday.
Rodgers confirmed 27-year-old Boyata would not be fit in time for next Thursday’s first leg due to the groin injury, but he may indeed return for the second leg a week later.
“I don’t think he will be, the medical team are saying it is probably going to be around a couple of weeks,” Rodgers said.
However, Rodgers is set to receive a boost regarding teenage defender Kristoffer Ajer, who was also substituted against Kilmarnock in the first half. He is expected to shake off an achilles injury, according to the report.
Boyata joins Marvin Compper, Tom Rogic, Paddy Roberts, Jonny Hayes, Stuart Armstrong, Leigh Griffiths and Craig Gordon currently on the sidelines at Parkhead.
The Hoops face Partick Thistle in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup on Saturday before facing Zenit.
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