Brendan Rodgers is hoping to have Dedryck Boyata back in action against Inter Milan on August 13.
The Belgian internationalist has yet to kick a ball for the new Celtic manager but has recently stepped up his rehab.
Boyata’s last match was in the Scottish Cup semi-final against Sevco with a hamstring injury ruling him out of Belgium’s Euro 2016 squad.
Celtic travel to Limerick to face Inter a week on Saturday with Rodgers hopeful that the former Manchester City defender can take a part in that match.
Asked today about Boyata’s injury Rodgers said: “He’s coming on well. He will start training with the conditioning team and hopefully play a part in the Inter match.”
Rodgers had mixed news on the injury front with Erik Sviachenko and Nir Bitton missing from tomorrow’s match against Astana although Kolo Toure should be available for his debut. The Celtic boss was unable to set any date for the return of Jozo Simunovic.
Looking towards the match with Astana Rodgers is hoping that the Celtic support can have a positive influence on the side as they go for a place in the play off stage of the Champions League.
Under Ronny Deila the support was quick to get nervous and criticise the players with Red Bull Salzburg, Molde and Ajax all getting the better of Celtic in Europa League matches.
Rodgers has been nothing if not upbeat since he arrived at the club and is looking for the same attitude from the fans.
“We’ll have a great support behind us and the players enjoy playing at home,” he stated.
“Of course we have to finish off the job. We know it will be a tough game but we are really looking forward to it .
“We understand the magnitude of tomorrow’s game but as I said we are looking forward to playing at home. The crowd have been brilliant.”
