Brendan Rodgers drops Celtic superstar vs Borussia Dortmund

Celtic will be entering Signal Iduna Park as the underdogs as they face last season's finalists, Borussia Dortmund, in the first phase of the new-look Champions League. It could very well turn out to be the toughest test of the Hoops' 24/25 campaign and Brendan Rodgers has made a brave call with his selection.

It can be a headache having too many players in form. And Rodgers has left Reo Hatate on the bench against Borussia Dortmund.

He has started with a midfield three of Callum McGregor, Paulo Bernardo and Arne Engels. Even a few weeks ago, this would have seemed improbable as Hatate has been one of Celtic's best performers since arriving in early 2022.

One cannot deny how well Bernardo has been playing recently though and that run of form seems to have helped him clinch a place in the starting XI against Borussia Dortmund. One can only hope that the Portuguese midfielder is able to justify Rodgers' selection with a superb performance away at Signal Iduna Park. Here is how Celtic will line up on the day:

Brendan Rodgers drops Celtic superstar vs Borussia Dortmund

Of course, it would be understandable if Hatate is not happy with being left on the bench in a game of this magnitude. He was excellent in the opening game against Slovan Bratislava.

But when you look at the entire season so far, Bernardo has arguably been slightly better than Hatate. And Rodgers is a manager who is never afraid to make a tough call. Even if it means leaving one of your best players on the bench against Borussia Dortmund.

The rest of the team looks as expected. The only change that Rodgers has had to make in that regard is bringing in Auston Trusty. If fit, Cameron Carter-Vickers would have certainly started on the day.