Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata has left the manager Brendan Rodgers with a Champions League “nightmare”, after his place in Belgium’s World Cup squad was announced, according to The Daily Record.
The defender has been a mainstay for Rodgers in his back four, and now the former Liverpool gaffer must face Champions League qualification through July without him.
It is understood that, should Belgium qualify from Group G, then Boyata is at risk of missing the crucial eight-game qualification campaign to reach the Champions League group stages.
Boyata, 27, impressed Roberto Martinez enough to warrant a seat on the Belgium plane to act as defensive cover for Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen, who both have injury concerns.
The Belgian’s contributions towards Celtic’s famed ‘double treble’ seasons have not gone unnoticed, and his space in the squad is justified, but this is just the next name in a long list for Rodgers to deal with being without, as both Mikael Lustig and Tom Rogic also representing their countries this Summer.
OPINION
This is the problem for Celtic surrounding their fantastic season, the qualification aspect to obtain the right to play in the Champions League is arduous, and makes the season so much longer. The players that have been chosen to represent their countries at the World Cup are playing almost all-year around, and this could have a negative effect on both fitness and team selection. On the one hand, it is clear to see that Celtic’s talented squad boast members that are deserved of their World Cup places, but this has come at a price. For Rodgers, this will be the true test of his recruitment and team rotation abilities, some would argue that the next man up should be as good as the one he is replacing. A surprise early bath for Belgium could be exactly what is needed for Celtic, as they will need all the help they can get to ensure Champions League football next season, but they are one of the favourites to go all the way this Summer.