Celtic suffer Europa League setback when Callum Osmand is injured in defeat to Midtjylland.
Celtic had a bad night in the Europa League, with a worrying injury to Callum Osmand exacerbating their 3-1 loss to FC Midtjylland. The defeat was Martin O’Neill’s first since taking over as caretaker manager, as the Scottish champions were overpowered by three early goals in the first half.
O’Neill made multiple replacements after the break in an attempt to inspire a response, including Osmand. The 19-year-old forward made an immediate impact, impressing with his enthusiasm and drawing a penalties, which Reo Hatate scored to give Celtic some hope.
However, the youngster’s night was cut short when he pulled up holding his hamstring while chasing down a defender. Osmand, clearly in distress, was stretchered off to the delight of both sets of supporters.
Providing an update, O’Neill stated:
“He pulled his hamstring. He’s quite young, and this has never occurred to him before. I told him that this was only a setback, not the end, and that he would recover. He will be sidelined for a few weeks now.”
The interim manager also claimed that Arne Engels was feeling his hamstring after the game, adding:
“The games are coming thick and fast with European football.”
The timing of Osmand’s injury is particularly unfortunate, since Celtic’s current striker crisis provides him with a fantastic opportunity to impress.
Osmand has just made a breakthrough in the team, scoring in a 3-1 extra-time triumph over Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final and scored three goals in six appearances this season despite playing few minutes.
Celtic will attempt to rebound this weekend when they play Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.
xz
