Sparta Prague appear to be in a state of crisis ahead of their Europa League clash with Celtic.
The Czech champions haven’t played a domestic match for a month and arrive in Glasgow on the back of defeats from Lille and AC Milan.
The Czech Government has closed down professional football with the exception of UEFA competitions leaving the Sparta squad with noting to do other than train between European matches.
Explaining the current situation in the Czech Republic, former Dundee midfielder Dusan Vrto told The Sun:
It’s a really difficult situation here, which is why the government cancelled all sport at the start of last month.
There was dispensation given to the clubs competing in Europe, but the Europa League ties against AC Milan and Lille are the only games Sparta Prague have played.
The clubs are asking the government to let them get back playing, but so far they haven’t been given permission. They can’t even arrange friendlies to stay in condition.
Sparta have been allowed to train but no more than that. They have an enormous complex at the Strahov Stadium, which is an old stadium which can hold 200,000 people. But training isn’t the same as playing matches so Celtic will have a big advantage over them
After taking a point from Lille last week Celtic really need to pick up full points from their back-to-back matches with Sparta if they are to make progress in the Europa League.
Sunday’s Hampden win over Aberdeen has given Neil Lennon’s squad a lift with some competition for places developing.
Odsonne Edouard and Nir Bitton have been involved in the last two matches with no adverse reactions after testing positive on international duty.
