Kairat Almaty will be without one of their standout performers for the second leg of their Champions League play-off against Celtic, with teenage forward Dastan Satpaev ruled out through suspension.
The 17-year-old striker, who has already agreed a move to Chelsea when he turns 18 next summer, picked up a late booking in the 90+11th minute of the first-leg stalemate at Celtic Park. [FotMob]
It was a moment that may have slipped under the radar amid the post-match frustration, but it carries major implications for the return leg in Kazakhstan.
Satpaev was a constant threat in Glasgow, creating more chances than any other player on the pitch. He led the line with confidence beyond his years, linking play well and offering a real outlet on the break as Kairat carried out their disciplined game plan.
His absence is a significant blow for the Kazakh side, who will now have to reshuffle their attack as they look to complete the job in Almaty. The youngster’s suspension removes a major creative outlet and perhaps a touch of the unpredictability that Celtic struggled to deal with at times in the first leg.
It’s a small boost for Celtic ahead of what will still be a hugely testing second leg over 3,500 miles from home. The pressure remains firmly on Brendan Rodgers’ side to deliver a result, but Satpaev’s suspension removes a key weapon from Kairat’s arsenal at a critical time.
