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Celtic's Dedryck Boyata is a doubt for Champions League qualifier

Celtic's Dedryck Boyata goes off the pitch with physio Tim WIlliamson
Image: Celtic's Dedryck Boyata goes off the pitch with physio Tim WIlliamson

Dedryck Boyata could miss Celtic's Champions League qualifier next week after picking up an injury in a pre-season 0-0 friendly with Slavia Prague.

The Scottish Premiership champions will start their group-stage bid next Tuesday where they'll face Linfield.

But now there are concerns over their Belgian centre-back's availability after Boyata suffered a twisted knee just moments before half-time.

The 26-year-old limped off at the Czech side's Eden Arena home and didn't reappear after the break as he was replaced by Jonny Hayes.

Kieran Tierney, Stuart Armstrong, Craig Gordon and Erik Sviatchenko thank Celtic's fans after the full-time whistle against Sparta Prague
Image: Kieran Tierney, Stuart Armstrong, Craig Gordon and Erik Sviatchenko thank Celtic's fans after the full-time whistle against Sparta Prague

Rodgers told Celtic TV: "We'll see how he is. I think he maybe twisted his knee but we'll see what comes from that.

"He took a touch and it got away from him a little bit and the guy has block-tackled him.

"There were a few challenges where they were nipping at the heels of the players and our players showed good discipline, even in a friendly game, to not react. But we will see how Dedryck is."

Rodgers' side dominated Slavia but were held to a goalless draw to cap off their pre-season tour of Austria and Czech Republic.

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Tom Rogic and James Forrest both had decent efforts at goal in the first half for the Hoops but could not beat Slavia keeper Jan Lastuvka.

Scott Sinclair missed from close range early in the second period while Callum McGregor also fluffed his finish after his solo run took him past a clutch of defenders.

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