Gladbach rocked by striking crisis
CELTIC’S Champions League opponents go into their midweek showdown minus three key strikers.
Borussia Monchengladbach were yesterday held to a disappointing goalless draw by 10-man Hamburg – Andre Schubert’s side also missing two penalties against the Bundesliga’s basement boys.
The Germans are bottom of Champions League Group C ahead of Wednesday’s huge clash in Glasgow.
And boss Schubert admitted after yesterday’s game that he looked certain to be without key strikers Raffael or Thorgan Hazzard in Scotland.
Forward Josip Drmic was already crocked.
Now the shot-shy Germans will have to cope without Brazilian ace Raffael and Hazard – brother of Chelsea ace Eden.
Schubert said: “Celtic will be a difficult game for us, especially after a game like we had today.
“It’s a very important match for our season.
“We knew as soon as the group was drawn that the two games were going to be very important with us both realistically fighting for third place.
“To be honest, I haven’t studied Celtic in much depth because I only ever concentrate on our next opponent. Now I will begin to prepare for Celtic.
“Everyone in the world knows about the atmosphere at Celtic. I want the players not to be scared by it, but to go out and enjoy it because it is unique. Hopefully, we will be able to quiet down the atmosphere with a win.
“Unfortunately, it doesn’t look too good for Raffael or Thorgan Hazzard.”
Borussia couldn’t capitalise despite playing against 10 men for 65 minutes yesterday at their Borussia-Park home, Hamburg’s Cleber sent off after conceding a spot kick.
Former Germany keeper Rene Adler pushed Hahn’s spot kick around the post.
Monchengladbach missed their second penalty of the game when Lars Stindl rattled his penalty against the bar after sub Ibrahim Traore was tripped in the box.