Celtic begin their Europa League campaign with a tough trip to Belgrade to face Crvena zvezda at the Rajko Mitic Stadium on Wednesday (kick-off: 8pm UK time).
After disposing of Partick Thistle in the Premier Sports Cup with a thumping 4-0 victory, Brendan Rodgers will now turn his attention back to Europe, as he looks to lead his side to an opening game victory in the Serbian capital.
Crvena zvezda will head into the game looking for a statement victory of their own, though, and will have plenty of confidence after going top of the Serbian SuperLiga with a vital 2-1 away victory at rivals FK Partizan on Saturday night.
Head coach Rodgers is likely to ring the changes for the visit to the Serbian capital, after rotating his starting XI at the weekend. Kasper Schmeichel, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, and Arne Engels will all be eyeing starts, while Marcelo Sarrachi will hope to dislodge Kieran Tierney at left-back.
However, Celtic are expected to be without five first-team players due to injury for their Europa League opener, with several of the team’s star players ruled out of the game in Belgrade. Meanwhile, the hosts have some concerns of their own for the game.
Ahead of the game at the Rajko Mitic Stadium, The Scotsman has all the early team news:
5. Rodrigão - Crvena Zvezda - DOUBT
The new signing is a doubt for the game after being caught by an opponent's stud on his leg in the weekend win over Partizan, leaving his sock drenched in blood. | AFP via Getty Images
6. Jahmai Simpson-Pusey - Celtic - INELIGIBLE
Signed on loan from Manchester City in August, he is yet to make an appearance for Celtic, and is not part of the squad for the Europa League. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
7. Callum Osmand - Celtic - INELIGIBLE
Another summer signing that is not included in Celtic's squad for the Europa League. The Welsh youngster is viewed as a talent for the future, rather than someone who can make an immediate impact. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
8. Auston Trusty
Been missing the last few weeks, and Wednesday night's trip to Serbia is likely to come too soon for the American. Currently out with plantar fasciitis. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images