MX23RW : Tuesday, November 26 21:09:33| >> :120:14529:14529:
[monks data]
Attendance: 56,172
Celtic logo
Europa League | Group Stage
Oct 3, 2019 at 8pm UK
 
CFR Cluj

2-0

Edouard (20'), Elyounoussi (59')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Celtic receive triple fitness boost ahead of Cluj clash

Only long-term absentees Jozo Simunovic, Daniel Arzani and Jack Hendry are definitely missing.

Celtic have received a boost ahead of their Europa League clash with Cluj after several players returned to training.

Mikey Johnston, Nir Bitton and Leigh Griffiths are all pushing for comebacks after missing several games.

Only long-term absentees Jozo Simunovic, Daniel Arzani and Jack Hendry are definitely missing for Wednesday's Parkhead encounter.

Manager Neil Lennon told Celtic TV: "We are looking healthy, we have no fresh injuries. There's a few bumps and bruises, Moritz (Bauer)'s ankle is still a little bit swollen.

"Nir Bitton is back in training now, Mikey Johnston is back in training now, so the only long-term absentee is Jozo.

"Tom Rogic has a tiny little bit of fluid around the knee but he should train on Wednesday. Griff is back in training now but obviously he has missed a few weeks of training. But the squad depth is good."

Lennon is glad to be facing Cluj again weeks after the Romanians knocked Celtic out of the Champions League with a 4-3 victory in Glasgow.

Both sides subsequently got off to good starts after being paired against in the same Europa League group, Cluj defeating Lazio at home and Celtic drawing against Rennes in France.

"I'm quite happy," Lennon said. "They have started the group very well. People talk about revenge, retribution. It's a motivation for the players because it's so recent. But in terms of the game, it's a home in Europe, it's one we want to win.

"We got off to a great start in the group as well so it's important we maximise home advantage."

Lennon learnt lessons from the second leg of their Champions League qualifier.

"We started at a poor tempo and I think that's what really cost us," he said. "You can look at the individual goals we conceded in the second half but we let that 45 minutes get away from, us and found ourselves a goal down and chasing the tie, so that's something we have to look at.

"In terms of their style of play, they are very direct and very effective. I think it's going to be an energetic, high tempo game and I think that will suit us."

ID:373565: cacheID:373565:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4082:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Celtic manager Neil Lennon pumps fist on September 19, 2019
Read Next:
Neil Lennon calls on Celtic fans to bring the noise for Europa League clash
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Ravens
30-23
Chargers
Tables header RHS

League Phase

TeamPWDLPTS
1Lazio440012
2Ajax431010
3Anderlecht431010
4Frankfurt431010
5Galatasaray431010
6Spurs43019
7FCSB43019
8Lyon42117
9Rangers42117
10Olympiacos42117
11Bodo/Glimt42117
12Midtjylland42117
13Ferencvaros42026
14Man Utd41306
15Plzen41306
16AZ42026
17Besiktas42026
18Hoffenheim41215
19Roma41215
20Fenerbahce41215
21Elfsborg41124
22Braga41124
23Porto41124
24Slavia Prague41124
25Real Sociedad41124
26Malmo41033
27FC Twente40313
28Qarabag41033
29Union SG40222
30Nice40222
31RFS40222
32Ludogorets40131
33PAOK40131
34Athletic Club00000
35M. Tel Aviv40040
36Dynamo Kiev40040


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!