Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Boyata blow for qualifiers
CELTIC’S Champions League hopes have been dealt a blow after it was reported Dedryck Boyata may miss the remainder of their qualifying campaign. The Belgian centre-back limped off in some discomfort just seconds before half-time in the Hoops’ pre-season friendly draw with Slavia Prague on Tuesday. Now reports from his homeland say he is likely to miss the next six weeks of action. Belgian newspaper La Derniere Heure claims Boyata ruptured knee ligaments and is out of their opening tie with Northern Irish champions Linfield in Belfast next Friday. If Brendan Rodgers’ men progress, Boyata will face a race against time to be fit for the potential play-off round clashes, scheduled for August 15-16 and reverse fixture a week later. Boyata has bounced back to make himself a key figure in the Celtic line-up after enduring a difficult first season in Glasgow. But Hoops boss Rodgers will now have to rely on the likes of Erik Sviatchenko and Jozo Simunovic as he plots a return to the group stages. Celtic assistant coach, Chris Davies said: “With Dedryck being out that’s obviously something we are aware of now and something that we will discuss. We will see what needs to be done.” He added: “We want to retain the players we have here at the minute, we are happy with what we have got. If the right player becomes available and we can do the right business for the club, then we will look at that.”