SCOTT Brown, the Celtic captain, has emerged as a shock major injury doubt for tonight’s Europa League Group B clash against FC Salzburg. The 33-year-old didn’t train yesterday with a hamstring problem, and while the midfielder did at least travel with the group to Austria, manager Brendan Rodgers insisted he won’t be risked if there is any possibility of him sustaining long term damage.
“We’ll need to have a look at Browny, he could be struggling,” said Rodgers. “He didn’t train this morning so we’ll see how he is.
“It’s just weighing up the risk of the longer-term scenario. I would never take a risk on any player if it meant he could be out longer term.
“He’s brilliant for me. You know if he can’t play then he genuinely can’t play. And the risk is too great. If he’s not available then it will be someone else who comes in to do a job. It’s a tightness in his hamstring. He’s had issues with it before over a number of years.
“It’s just weighing up the risk – and if it’s too great then there’s no point in making it any worse. If we can recover him for the weekend then fine. If he’s no good for the weekend then he’ll definitely be back after the international break.”
One man who will definitely play no part is Tom Rogic, the Australian playmaker staying in Glasgow with injured defenders Kris Ajer and Filip Benkovic, although Jozo Simunovic is in contention for a shock start. “Tom’s obviously out but he should be okay for the weekend. Jozo has travelled, we will see how he is. If he is not, then he will come into contention for the weekend so we shall see.”
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