Celtic will be without three Scotland internationalists for tomorrow’s Europa League tie against Real Betis.
Callum McGregor, James Forrest and Greg Taylor won’t be on the flight to Spain for a variety of reasons with Liel Abada missing out for religious reasons.
The loss of McGregor will be the biggest concern for Ange Postecoglou with the captain the mainstay of his side this season.
Against Ross County on Saturday the midfielder was substituted midway through the second half, initially it seemed like a well deserved breather but the knock must be a worry of he is ruled out the day before a European tie.
Ange Postecoglou says Celtic captain Callum McGregor is out of tomorrow’s Europa League game v Real Betis with “a knock”. Anthony Ralston is back. Liel Abada will be missing for religious reasons. pic.twitter.com/oa2T7hwxXL
— Alison Conroy (@AlisonGConroy) September 15, 2021
Greg Taylor needs shoulder surgery so will be out for a while. James Forrest should return to full training in “next 7-10 days”
— Alison Conroy (@AlisonGConroy) September 15, 2021
The loss of Forrest and Abada denies Postecoglou a right-winger but away from home in Europe that position may have been sacrificed with James McCarthy and/or Ismaila Soro coming in to strengthen the midfield.
Taylor’s absence opens the door for Adam Montgomery to start at left-back although Josip Juranovic could switch to the left to accommodate Tony Ralston.