Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that attacking pair Leigh Griffiths and Jonny Hayes are both set to miss the Champions League qualifying second leg tie against Alashkert as well the first match of the next round due to injury.
Neither the striker nor the winger featured for the Hoops in their 3-0 away win over the Armenian side, and Rodgers has now confirmed the blow that they will likely miss the clash against either Value or Rosenberg should they secure their place in the next qualifying round, with a return date of up to three weeks.
Speaking to the Daily Record, he said: “Leigh, along with Jonny Hayes too, is probably two to three weeks away.
“We’ll know more in a few weeks’ time. It’s unfortunate really for him but that’s how football works.
“For any player when you miss a period of pre-season it’s always difficult, especially if you’ve worked hard.”
Should Celtic see off Ashakert at Parkhead in the second leg, then they will be playing their first tie of the next round on the 24th or 25th July.
Opinion
Brendan Rodgers would definitely want Griffiths and Hayes available for the upcoming clashes, if for nothing more than to give some added competition to the likes of Moussa Dembele. The missing pair might not be regulars in the starting XI but they can both have an impact when playing, especially against lesser opposition like Ashakert. Still, the manager will have to do without, and he will be hoping for no more injury blows between now and the start of the Premiership season. The Hoops might have won two domestic trebles in a row, but they will not want to let their dominance let up, and they will also be looking for much more improved displays during their European exploits. That means making the group stages of the Champions League once again, and having the likes of Griffiths available would be a big boost to the Bhoys’ hopes. Rodgers will be hoping he does not miss his hitman too much.