Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has hinted that Dedryck Boyata could be rested for the national team’s match against Cyprus on Sunday.
This will be great news for Celtic should Martinez decide to rest the centre-back. Boyata missed out on Celtic’s recent 1-0 win over Dundee, but featured for Belgium in their 3-1 win over Russia on Thursday.
May replace player
Despite turning in a good display, Martinez told Nieuwsblad he might replace the Hoops defender with Thomas Vermaelen for the Cyprus game.
He said: “I chose Boyata now, and he did well in defence. Vermaelen cannot immediately play two games in a week after his seven-week injury. We will need him in Cyprus “
A real relief
Boyata missing the Cyprus game would be a real relief to Hoops interim boss Neil Lennon. It would allow the player plenty of time to get himself fully fit for next Sunday’s clash against Rangers.
Boyata might have a bit of a chequered record against Rangers. He has struggled in his last two visits to Ibrox. However, when he is on his game, he is one of the best defenders around.
With Filip Benkovic having returned from injury, Lennon will have the chance to play Boyata and Bekovic together for the first time against Rangers.
The duo were a key part of Brendan Rodgers’ side earlier this season. It will
be interesting to see if the partnership is rekindled under Lennon.
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