Celtic were yesterday struck with the news that Albian Ajeti will miss Thursday’s clash in Sarajevo, but their Europa League opponents arguably have a bigger concern with Amar Rahmanovic missing.
The Sarajevo midfielder’s name may not mean much to the Celtic support. However, the Bosnian plays a massive part for our rivals in an attacking sense.
Rahmanovic, capped at all age levels for Bosnia outside of senior level, has managed 40 direct goal contributions in just 91 appearances overall for Sarajevo. This season alone, he has four assists and one goal in just nine games (Transfermarkt).
He also managed an assist the last time he faced Celtic last season. He set up Benjamin Tatar’s sweet strike at Parkhead, and was a constant thorn throughout the tie with his eye for a pass.
Rahmanovic missing is a problem for Sarajevo
However, unfortunately for our Europa League playoff opponents, Rahmanovic picked up a red card during their win over Buducnost Podgorica in last Thursday’s tie. That means he’ll have to watch from the stands when his team-mates face Neil Lennon’s side this week.
This will likely mean that Tatar drops into the number 10 position for the Celtic clash, with Krste Velkoski coming back into the side to play on the left-wing. Whilst Tatar is a real danger and has nine goals to his name this season, he isn’t naturally suited to playing as a 10, and much of his influence wanes in the position.
Sarajevo will still have the capabilities of playing a strong side, but missing Rahmanovic is a big blow for them. Perhaps bigger for them than losing Ajeti is for us, considering the options we have to replace him.
The likes of Odsonne Edouard, Leigh Griffiths, or Patryk Klimala can immediately come in if necessary. Sarajevo, however, may have to move someone around to deal with Rahmanovic’s absence.
It will still be a tricky tie regardless, but the Bosnian’s suspension certainly puts a spanner in the works for Sarajevo.
In other news, one of Celtic’s stars yesterday has answered back Kris Commons through his recent performances.
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