Despite on-going talks with West Ham United, Arne Engels has been included in Celtic’s Champions League squad.
Overnight the rumours seemed to gain substance that the Belgian was on his way out of Celtic.
During his afternoon media conference Martin O’Neill confirmed that a transfer was in the advanced stages.
The Celtic boss sympathised with the position that the players was in, admitting that West Ham were hoping to have him involved tomorrow in their Championship opener against Burnley.
Despite that Engels has been listed in the Celtic squad for the matches against LASK.
?? “Great opportunity… it’s really hard to turn it down.”
?? “By the time he’s fit, it’ll be past the transfer deadline!”Celtic manager Martin O’Neill on Arne Engel’s imminent departure and an update on Alistair Johnston’s injury ?? pic.twitter.com/WsrNfGEkZQ
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) August 14, 2026
Two changes can be made before 11pm on August 18, the day before the first leg.
THE ENGELS OPTION
If as expected Engels joins West Ham he could be replaced by a new signing.
With Michel Ange Balikwisha, Adam Montgomery and Johnny Kenny also included there is clearly scope for changes in the squad.
The injured Alistair Johnston is missing from the squad, today O’Neill admitted that the Canadian is likely to be out deep into September.
Celtic are the seeded side going into the tie but most fans would put progress as a 50-50 shot.
Clearly Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran bring a real attacking edge to the side but they have only played two matches together.
Winning against the Austrians would return Celtic to the 36 team Champions League. In season 24/25 the hoops collected 12 points, losing out to Bayern Munich in a Round of 16 Play Off.
The losers in the Champions League Play Off drop into the Europa League with a compensation payment of around £5m.
Mika Baur seems close to being involved judging by today’s conference comments. Egyptian winger Haissem Hassan seems behind in training following his World Cup involvement.
Celtic’s scheduled match at St Johnstone has been postponed with the return match in Austria being played on Tuesday August 25.
CLICK HERE for full Champions League squad.
I guess the two changes before it kicks off will be Balikwisha seriously included and engles. I thought also tounekti was on his way out liked him to begin with although like some others been a hit and miss. Can’t bypass a man and too easily pushed off the ball. We’ll just have to wait and see. Tick-Tock