NO GIFT OF GAB
Celtic have received a boost ahead of their Europa League showdown with Valencia after former Arsenal star Gabriel was injured in training.
The La Liga giants travel to Glasgow next week for
the last- 32 tie. But they suf fered a blow after Brazilian stopper Gabriel was ruled out of today’s league fixture against Real Sociedad.
And the expectation is that he won’t return to face the Hoops in time.
Gabriel, who cost the Gunners £ 11.5 million when he signed for them in 2015, has played nearly every game for the Mestalla side this season.
Manager Marcelino said: “Gabriel felt a problem with his thigh. He won’t play against Real Sociedad.
“It’s a loss to be without such an important player.”
Midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia, who came off in their Champions League win over Manchester United in December, will also miss out.
However the Spaniards wi l l welcome back Portugal winger Gonaclo Guedes today after three months out.
The ex-PSG and Benfica star provided 11 assists last season but hasn’t featured since last year.
But he’s back in the Valencia squad and could face Brendan Rodgers’ side on Thursday.
Marcelino said: “Guedes is fit again. We believe in reintroducing him slowly because he has been out for a long time.
“It will be an advantage to get him back for Sociedad and Celtic.”
The Spanish boss, who was reportedly close to the axe just a month ago, has revealed he is set to rotate his squad for their next two games in a hectic schedule.
And he’s backed his side to carry on scoring.
He said: “We are playing 65 hours after the game against Real Betis in the Copa del Rey and we have Celtic next week too.
“That’s a lot of games, especially because Betis was a physical game and Sociedad are an aggressive team too.
“So it makes sense to use the squad for the coming matches. But we are confident because we feel we can score a lot of goals.”