Celtic will be without two key players vs FC Copenhagen

Celtic have been dealt a dual blow ahead of their all-important second leg against FC Copenhagen in the Europa League Round of 32 tie

After Rangers managed to go through to the Last 16 after beating S.C. Braga 4-2 on aggregate, tomorrow’s game has become even more vital for Celtic, who will be keen not to be outdone by their Glasgow rivals in Europe. Standing in their way are Danish champions FC Copenhagen.

The tie is very well poised with the first leg finishing 1-1, with both sides dominating a half each. Celtic started the stronger of the two sides away in Denmark, and took an early lead through Odsonne Edouard. And they should have scored a few more before the break with a number of good chances going begging for a finish.

The second half was a completely different story though with the hosts taking control of the action and equalising in the 52nd minute. And they went on to dominate action for the rest of the half, even missing a golden opportunity to win the game from the penalty spot with Fraser Forster pulling out a magnificent save.

Ultimately, 1-1 was a fair result although Celtic will be the happier of the two sides. They will now only need to win in order to qualify for the next round and also have an away goal to fall back on if required. FC Copenhagen on the other hand will be kicking themselves for not getting the job done on home soil.

Celtic though will be without two of their key stars in the form Oliver Ntcham and Ryan Christie in the second leg of the competition. While Ntcham is missing through an injury he picked up in the first leg, Christie will be serving out a suspension for an yellow card he picked up in the last contest between the two sides.

The return of Scott Brown and James Forrest though is good news for Celtic. But with two attacking midfielders gone, it will be interesting to see the formation that Lennon decides to play tomorrow.