Key Points
- Absence at Training: Colombian forward Camilo Durán was absent from Celtic’s final pre-match training session at Celtic Park on Wednesday before traveling to Lisbon.
- Illness Revealed: Celtic manager Martin O’Neill confirmed that Durán missed the workout due to illness, making him a major fitness doubt ahead of the fixture.
- Key Player Impact: Durán has made an impressive start to his career in Scotland, scoring seven goals in 13 appearances following a summer transfer from Qarabağ.
- Squad Fitness Updates: While Durán battles illness, teammates Kelechi Iheanacho and Arne Engels continue their recovery from hamstring injuries by training individually on grass.
- Additional Squad News: Winger Jota, who was excluded from the European squad, and defender Cameron Carter-Vickers were also absent from Wednesday’s team session.
- Opponent Strategy: Benfica head coach Marco Silva indicated he may rotate his lineup and deploy several fringe or B-team players to manage overall squad workload.
Glasgow (Glasgow Express) October 14, 2026 — Celtic forward Camilo Durán has emerged as a serious doubt for his side’s European fixture after missing the club’s final training session prior to their UEFA Europa League clash with Benfica.
As reported by Matthew Lindsay of the Glasgow Times, the 24-year-old Colombian attacker was absent as the Scottish Champions trained in windy conditions at Celtic Park on Wednesday morning before departing for Portugal. As detailed by James Cairney of The Herald, Celtic manager Martin O’Neill clarified the cause of the forward’s unexpected absence, stating:
“He didn’t train today because he was ill. So we’ll see how he is.”
The absence of Durán represents a potential blow to Celtic’s attacking plans ahead of the European tie in Lisbon. Since arriving from Azerbaijani club Qarabağ in a transfer deal valued at £6 million, the Colombia international has produced seven goals in 13 appearances across all competitions. His domestic and European form recently earned him a debut call-up to the Colombia national side, where he featured in international fixtures against Paraguay and Peru.
This marks the second occasion this season that Durán’s European preparations have experienced disruption. Prior to Celtic’s earlier group fixture against Ferencváros, the player faced administrative delays resolving visa paperwork in London after returning from international duty.
Alongside Durán’s illness, the session at Celtic Park highlighted wider squad adjustments. Winger Jota, who was omitted from Celtic’s official UEFA squad list for the competition phase, did not feature in the group session, nor did defender Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Providing a wider assessment of squad availability, Martin O’Neill commented on the progress of long-term absentees Kelechi Iheanacho and Arne Engels via The Herald, noting:
“It shouldn’t be too long now for both of them. They’ve been on the grass. They are training on their own now. They are not too far away. These are the problems when you get hamstring injuries. I know this because in the latter stages of my own career, I suffered from them a bit and you become wary. Suddenly, you think that you have a problem when you don’t really. It goes into your mind.”
Further personnel concerns within the squad involve striker Johnny Kenny, who sustained a calf strain during recent domestic action. Speaking on the club’s official media channels, O’Neill confirmed:
“Johnny Kenny picked up a bit of a calf strain, so we will see how that is. He has gone for some sort of scans this afternoon. We will see. He might be a doubt.”
On the opposition side, Benfica manager Marco Silva hinted during his pre-match media commitments that the Portuguese club may adjust their starting selection to preserve key personnel, acknowledging that he could call upon B-team players and squad rotation options for Thursday night’s match.
Why Is Camilo Durán’s Availability Critical to Celtic’s Tactical Setup?
Since arriving in Glasgow during the summer transfer window, Camilo Durán has established himself as a primary attacking threat within Celtic’s system. Capable of operating across the front line or as a central striker, his pressing capacity and speed have drawn direct comparisons from teammates to fellow attackers such as Daizen Maeda.
Speaking to the Daily Record, Celtic veteran James Forrest evaluated the Colombian’s early training performances, remarking:
“He trained with us today. Aye, he looks good. I think he scored five goals in the Champions League last year as well. He’s going to be a good player, he looks like a good athlete, he looks quick and that as well.”
Durán’s recent goal scoring run includes the opening goal in Celtic’s 2-0 domestic victory against Motherwell, as well as crucial contributions during European qualifying rounds. Should illness prevent him from starting or featuring at the Estádio da Luz, Celtic may look to alternative offensive options including Václav Čvančara.
Background of the Particular Development
Camilo Durán began his youth development in Santa Marta, Colombia, before advancing through the academy system at Independiente Medellín. Converted from a midfielder to a central striker during his development in Colombia, he moved to Europe in 2022, competing in Portuguese regional football with Lusitânia and Estrela da Amadora before transferring to Portimonense in 2024.
Following a successful period with Qarabağ in Azerbaijan, Durán completed a £6 million transfer to Celtic in July 2026. His performances in Scotland earned him his first senior international call-ups under Colombia national head coach Néstor Lorenzo in September 2026.
Celtic enter Thursday’s tie seeking to stabilize their UEFA Europa League standings following an opening matchday defeat against Ferencváros, while balancing domestic fixtures in the Scottish Premiership.
Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Celtic’s Campaign and Supporters
The illness of Camilo Durán introduces immediate tactical adjustments for Celtic’s coaching staff and could directly impact match outcomes in European competition.
For Celtic supporters and the broader team dynamic, Durán’s potential absence shifts immediate scoring expectations onto recent additions such as Václav Čvančara and experienced squad players like James Forrest. If Durán is ruled out of the starting lineup in Lisbon, Celtic lose their most in-form transition threat against high-line European defenses.
Should Celtic fail to secure a positive result against Benfica in his absence, the management of player workloads—particularly following international travel periods—will remain a primary topic of debate among supporters and media commentators throughout the group phase of the tournament. Conversely, a strong performance from alternative line-ups could demonstrate the depth of Celtic’s squad as they navigate concurrent domestic and continental schedules.
