Celtic vs Besiktas injury news: 6 outs and 5 doubts as Hoops seek European lifeline against Turkish opposition

Celtic face a crucial must-win Europa League encounter on Thursday evening when Turkish giants Besiktas visit Parkhead, with Martin O’Neill’s side desperate to keep their European campaign alive.

The Hoops have endured a difficult start to their continental campaign, losing their opening three league-phase fixtures against Ferencváros, Benfica and Celta Vigo. With no points on the board, the Scottish champions are already under significant pressure to deliver a positive result if they are to keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages alive.

Their latest domestic setback came on Sunday, when they suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership. That result has increased the scrutiny on O’Neill and his players, making Thursday's clash even more important.

Besiktas, meanwhile, arrive in Glasgow in a considerably stronger position. The Turkish Super Lig outfit have collected seven points from their opening three matches, having beaten Marseille and Hoffenheim before drawing with Premier League side Crystal Palace.

However, their domestic form has been less convincing, and they will be keen to respond after surrendering a two-goal advantage in their weekend league fixture.

With Celtic needing a response and Besiktas looking to strengthen their position in the competition, Thursday's meeting promises to be an important test for both sides.

Both managers are dealing with several injury concerns heading into this game. GlasgowWorld takes a look at which players won’t or are unlikely to be involved on Sunday.

Alistair Johnston (Celtic) - OUT

The Canadian defender is not expected to feature before the international break due to another hamstring injury.

Orkun Kökçü (Besiktas) - OUT

The captain is struggling with a heel injury and is not expected to return until around mid-November.

Kieran Tierney (Celtic) - DOUBT

A fitness concern after picking up a few knocks against Falkirk and will be assessed before the game.

Ümit Akdag (Besiktas) - OUT

Will miss the trip to Glasgow with a broken wrist reported. His projected return is early December.

Auston Trusty (Celtic) - DOUBT

American central defender has been away from Lennoxtown in recent weeks due to a family bereavement.

Milot Rashica (Besiktas) - DOUBT

Doubtful due to an unspecified injury concern. He previously suffered a right thigh muscle strain while playing for Kosovo.

Oliver Sørensen (Celtic) - DOUBT

Danish midfielder’s participation is in doubt as he has been given time off for personal reasons.

Fabio Miretti (Besiktas) - OUT

Still recovering from a shoulder injury sustained against Crystal Palace on October 22. Club confirmed that medical treatment had begun, with a potential return towards late November.

Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic) - OUT

South Korean winger has been absent with a hamstring problem since September, but could return to training at some point this week. This game will come too soon.

Václav Cerný (Besiktas) - FIT

Former Rangers winger picked up a knock around his knee last month against Istanbul Basaksehir, but recovered to play in the weekend draw with Kasimpasa.

Jota (Celtic) - UNAVAILABLE

Will miss out because he has not been registered in Celtic's Europa League squad, despite recently returning from a lengthy injury lay-off.

Ernest Poku (Besiktas) - DOUBT

Reported to be suffering from flu, with no confirmed return date.

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