BBC presenter explains why Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo came off for Celtic

Add as preferred source on Google

Boli Bolingoli’s injury was yet another setback for the left-back last night.

Celtic hammered Nomme Kalju 5-0 at Parkhead in a fine, dominant first-leg victory. Goals from Kristoffer Ajer, Ryan Christie (x2), Leigh Griffiths, and Callum McGregor sealed the deal for the Parkhead side.

But, for the second time in three Champions League qualifiers, Boli went down and needed help against the Estonians last night. Despite making his way to his feet, he was swiftly replaced before the break by Mikey Johnston. Mystery has since reigned over why Boli had to come off.

But the BBC’s Richard Gordon appears to know the answer. Speaking on his BBC Sportsound show last night (Wednesday, July 24th), Gordon confirmed that Boli’s swift departure was simply down to illness.

“Bolingoli was unwell. He had taken unwell on the park, so that won’t be long-term. That’s usually a 24-hour thing, he should be fine.”

Mbombo’s injury led to another frustrating night for the left-back

This was a game Mbombo would’ve likely loved to have been involved in more. Everyone in green-and-white was flying on the night, and it could’ve been the ideal match to really lift Boli.

But, as soon as he went down, it didn’t look great. The left-back had to come off away in Sarajevo due to injury, and the fact he had to come off last night certainly wasn’t ideal.

It was a bit of a struggle up to that point for Boli too. His passing was off, and he wasn’t getting into as many dangerous areas as he was last week. It’s no surprise really that he felt ill during the contest, as it won’t be the best performance he puts in for us.

He looked a lot more comfortable last week with a left-winger ahead of him. Before Mikey Johnston’s introduction, we did lack down the left, as it proved too much for Boli to operate down the entire flank on his own.

Boli has the attributes to play as a wing-back, and certainly has the speed for it. But you do still wonder about his defensive capabilities and whether that could see him caught out against better side.

Regardless, it won’t be long until we see him again if it was simply a case of feeling sick.