Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers says Leigh Griffiths must prove fitness for Champions League clash
Friday 28 July 2017 19:59, UK
Celtic will make every effort to get Leigh Griffiths fit for their vital Champions League tie in Norway next week, says Brendan Rodgers.
The Scotland international is struggling with a calf injury and had to watch as the Hoops laboured to a goalless draw at home to Rosenborg, who are now the favourites to reach the next qualifying round.
Celtic's only other recognised centre forward, Moussa Dembele, is out until at least September with a recurring hamstring complaint.
In the first leg at Parkhead, midfielder Tom Rogic adopted a more forward role and manager Rodgers now faces a wait to see if Griffiths will be back for the return game in Trondheim on Wednesday night.
Defender Erik Sviatchenko was also an absentee, because of a groin complaint, and Rodgers said: "We have to wait over the course of the weekend to see his (Griffiths) reaction to his work outside.
"The same goal with Sviatchenko. His scan was good so hopefully he will be fine too.
"It is not rest (for Griffiths). It is a lot of extensive treatment on trying to get him fit, out on the field and seeing how his loading is to see if he is going to be fit to play.
"He needs to show that he is fit to play. He is working day and night with the medical team so hopefully we can get him back.
"He has been out on the field today which is good, but we have to see.
"There is still a wee bit of time to go before the game. We'll see how he is over the weekend, and if he can get on to the field by Monday then there is every chance he could be involved."