Shakhtar Donetsk suffer major blow before Celtic clash

Celtic have not had a great campaign in the Champions League this season. While their performances have been solid, the results have not matched them, as the Hoops have been let down by their finishing time and again in Europe’s elite competition. Therefore, they currently sit at the bottom of their group.

The game against Shakhtar Donetsk could put an end to their European aspirations for the season, as the Hoops have slim hopes of making it to the Europa League. But this is the same team that could only hold onto a draw against the reigning Scottish champions away in Poland, a game that Ange Postecoglou’s side should have won comfortably.

In midweek, Celtic host Shakhtar Donetsk at Parkhead. It is a huge contest, if they want to qualify for the Europa League via a third place finish in the group stage, and nothing other than a win will do.

Celtic can take confidence from their dominant performance in the reverse fixture though. On the other hand, Shakhtar Donetsk are facing injury problems heading into the Parkhead tie.

Shakhtar Donetsk handed injury setbacks before Celtic clash

As reported by the Daily Record, Shakhtar Donetsk have been dealt a triple injury blow as key men Marian Shved, Oleg Ocheretko and Yukhym Konoplya are all doubts for the clash against Celtic.

The aforementioned three players did not train with the main squad on Saturday, as the coach took advantage of a free weekend.

Shved, Ocheretko and Konoplya are all seen as significant names on Shakhtar Donetsk’s squad. Missing any of them could eventually weaken a team that drew in the reverse fixture against Celtic.

Celtic must be considered as the favourites heading into the game although one must remember that Shakhtar Donetsk have beaten RB Leipzig and drawn with Real Madrid in the Champions League this season.