Celtic appear to have been handed a fresh injury worry heading into the second leg against LASK.
Celtic fans will be looking forward to the club's second leg, away in Austria, of their Champions League play-off tie against LASK.
This has not often been the case. Rarely have Celtic gone into second legs of European ties with a cushion.
Yet, following a 3-0 win at Parkhead, Celtic can afford to be a bit confident about their chances of going through. Then again, other top clubs have stumbled from similar positions.
So, Celtic cannot take anything for granted. And one potential new injury could make things more difficult for them, with Alistair Johnston already missing.
Celtic handed fresh injury worry
According to The Scottish Sun, Celtic appear to have another injury worry going into the game against LASK. They trained at Parkhead today ahead of flying out for the second leg in Austria. But Auston Trusty did not take part.
Obviously, Trusty is a regular starter for Celtic at centre-back right now. And if he does end up missing the game against LASK, it would be a blow for the team, no matter which way you look at it.
Of course, it is worth pointing out that the exact reason behind Trusty missing practice has not been cleared just yet. If there is something substantial, one would imagine that Martin O'Neill will confirm it before the matchup.
Who can take Auston Trusty's place in the team?
Celtic do have options who can step in and take Trusty's place in the starting XI. The obvious option is Liam Scales.
When Cameron Carter-Vickers was out injured last season, which was the majority of the time, it was Scales who was starting alongside Trusty in the heart of defence on a consistent basis.
So, do not be surprised to see Scales' name in the starting XI against LASK. Another option is Dane Murray but his being a starter on the night is much more unlikely.
Anyways, the best-case scenario would be if Trusty is absolutely fine and there is no issue to speak of. Let's wait for something official to be confirmed by the club.
This is one of the most important games Celtic have played in a long time. And on the back of that 3-0 win in the first leg, even the most pessimistic of fans would be happy enough to name them heavy favourites, even away from home, to go through going into the second leg against LASK.
