Celtic will look to do the unthinkable and turn around a three-goal swing as they visit Stuttgart in the second leg of the last 16 playoffs at the MHP Arena on Thursday (kick-off: 5.45pm UK time).
Martin O’Neill’s side head into the game with a mountain to climb if they are to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament after last week’s demoralising 4-1 first-leg defeat to Sebastian Hoeneß’s men, while they also suffered a damaging 2-1 home defeat to Hibs in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.
As for their hosts, Stuttgart enter the game on the back of an exhilarating 3-3 away draw with Bundesliga strugglers Heidenheim at the weekend. Despite taking a fifth-minute lead through Chris Fuhrich, they found themselves behind twice in the game before Denis Undav’s 88th equaliser ensured Die Roten took a share of the spoils. The game didn’t come without consequence, though, with one of their key players being forced off with a knee injury.
Ahead of the game at the MHP Arena, The Scotsman has all the early team news:
13. Alistair Johnston - Celtic - OUT
The Canadian is in a similar situation as teammate Callum Osmand, with surgery on a hamstring injury likely to keep him out until next month. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
14. Cameron Carter-Vickers - Celtic - OUT
Expected to miss the rest of the season with an Achilles problem, and was removed from the Celtic Europa League squad as a result. Won't make the visit to Germany for the second leg. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
15. Jota - Celtic - OUT
Won't play again this season after suffering a setback in his bid to return from an ACL injury he suffered last April. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
16. Adam Montgomery - Celtic - INELIGIBLE
Returned to Celtic after his loan spell at Livingston was cut short due to an injury and isn't likely to be fit for some weeks. Not in the Europa League, he wouldn't have featured in Germany anyway. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group