OPINION
Celtic have been potentially dealt a blow when it comes to their chances of achieving victory over Valencia in their upcoming Europa League tie as tricky winger Goncalo Guedes could feature against them.
The Hoops are set to take on the Spanish club in the first leg of their Europa League fixture next Thursday and it seems Brendan Rodgers will have to find away to stop Guedes causing his side damage.
Valencia manager Marcelino hinted that the 22-year-old winger could face Celtic as he was in contention to play as he was now back fit following three months out with a groin injury.
“Guedes is fit again. We believe in reintroducing him to the squad slowly because he has been out for a very long time,” said Marcelino, as quoted by the Scottish Sun.
“He has looked good again in training and it will be a real advantage to us to get him back into the squad for the matches with Sociedad and Celtic.”
Guedes may not have featured for Valencia in 2019 as of yet due to his injury, but that perhaps will make him more dangerous.
The left-sided dazzler will no doubt be eager to reestablish himself back in Valencia’s first-team following a spell on the sidelines and could go all out against Celtic if unleashed in order to stake his claim.
Ahead of getting injured Guedes was in tip-top form as he constantly looked a threat for Valencia in the 10 league outings he managed to make.
While the Hoops will want to focus on themselves given that you’d argue the weakest area of Celtic’s team currently is their defence, Rodgers would no doubt rather that Guedes missed out on playing them as he will know that winger is capable of delivering the goods for his side.
Therefore with Marcelino hinted that he could unleash Guedes against Celtic, it’s a potential blow for the Hoops regarding their upcoming clash with Valencia.