AZ Alkmaar will be without two key players when Celtic visit the AFAS Stadium tomorrow night, according to a report from the Netherlands.
Dutch outlet Sportnieuws states Owen Wijndal continues to miss out for Pascal Jansen’s team, while new goalkeeper Peter Vindahl won’t make the game tomorrow night either.
AZ will welcome back Swedish attacker Jesper Karlsson, however. Carl Starfelt’s international team-mate, Karlsson scored 11 and set up 9 in the Eredivisie last season [Transfermarkt].
The Dutch side didn’t have Eredivisie commitments over the weekend, which will surely help squad fitness as they hope to overturn a 2-0 deficit. Goals from Kyogo Furuhashi and an own goal by Timo Letschert, meanwhile, have given the Bhoys confidence as they look to secure Europa League qualification.
Wijndal, at just 21, already has 11 caps for the Dutch national team. Undoubtedly a star of the future, AZ have probably done well to ward off interest in the summer window.
Barcelona have shown interest in the left-back, according to 90Min.
As for Vindahl, the former youth Danish international is yet to see game-time since arriving in Alkmaar. The ex-Nordsjaelland stopper has seen his reputation blossom, and at just 23, looks like he’ll be battling Kasper Schmeichel for international caps before long.
Bad news for AZ Alkmaar, but Celtic can take advantage
In the absence of Wijndal last week, Celtic enjoyed some joy down AZ’s left. Both flanks were fertile attacking ground for the Bhoys, with a 2-0 lead that really could’ve been 3 or 4.
A trip to the AFAS Stadium won’t be an easy one, though. The return of Karlsson is a big boost for the Dutch side. With no Celtic fans in attendance, AZ will undoubtedly be desperate to make a point against Postecoglou and co.
Celtic have their own injury problems to contend with. Christopher Jullien is still out, while Jameses Forrest and McCarthy haven’t made the trip to Holland.
Tomorrow night represents Celtic and Postecoglou’s biggest test yet. With the boss determined to stick his attacking principles, and a strong AZ at home to negotiate, it could be a game that sets the tone for 21-22.
Read more: New Bhoy could have debut to remember
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