Nat Phillips looks almost certain to start for Celtic again on Wednesday after his horror show at Rugby Park. The defender scored an own goal and played his part in conceding the 2nd as Celtic were beaten by Kilmarnock.
CCV was expected back after missing the weekend game, but Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed to CeltsAreHere that the defender will play no part in Celtic’s final Champions League outing of the season.
It means Celtic has just three fit and eligible centre-backs; Liam Scales, Nat Phillips and Gustaf Lagerbielke.
Maik Nawrocki will not be involved due to the defender not being registered for the group stage this season. This was down to the long-term injury he sustained and at registration time there was no firm date for his return.
Rodgers has the choice to either allow Nat Phillips to play again and try to redeem himself or he will give young Lagerbielke a run out for the experience. The latter seems unlikely considering Gustaf Lagerbielke has been overlooked for matchday squads over Phillips most of the season.
Celtic have the chance to earn some pride on the night and a heft UEFA bonus by getting a win. Without CCV it feels a bit tougher.
