Key Points
- Celtic face significant injury challenges with 13 players confirmed out and 3 in doubt ahead of the UEFA Europa League play-off first leg against VfB Stuttgart.
- Manager Martin O’Neill has registered three new players in the Europa League squad: defender Julian Aurajo, forward Tomas Cvancara, and forward Junior Adamu.
- The first leg takes place at Celtic Park on Thursday, 19 February 2026, with the return fixture in Germany on 26 February.
- Injuries include Adam Montgomery with a calf issue until late February and Alistair Johnston sidelined by a hamstring problem until early March.
Glasgow (Glasgow Express) February 16, 2026 – Celtic head into their crucial UEFA Europa League knockout play-off against VfB Stuttgart grappling with an extensive injury list that sees 13 players ruled out and three more in doubt.
Manager Martin O’Neill has responded by including a trio of new signings in the confirmed Europa League squad, bolstering options for the high-stakes tie. The squad registration deadline passed on 5 February 2026, allowing clubs to add up to three eligible players for the knockout stages.
What injuries are sidelining Celtic players?
Celtic’s injury woes dominate preparations for the clash at Celtic Park, with reports confirming 13 players unavailable and three carrying doubts into the match. Among the confirmed absentees are Adam Montgomery, out with a calf injury expected to sideline him until late February, and Alistair Johnston, nursing a hamstring problem with a return anticipated in early March, according to match previews from FotMob.
As reported by thecelticbhoys.com, players such as Joel Mvuka, Benjamin Arthur, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have been omitted from the Europa League squad, focusing instead on domestic duties amid the congested fixture schedule.
Who has O’Neill added to the Europa League squad?
Martin O’Neill selected two attackers and one defender to strengthen Celtic’s European roster. Julian Aurajo joins the backline after his winter transfer, while forwards Tomas Cvancara and Junior Adamu provide added firepower up front.
Which positions see the key changes?
The goalkeepers remain unchanged with Kasper Schmeichel, Viljami Sinisalo, and Ross Doohan. Defenders now include Aurajo alongside Alistair Johnston, Liam Scales, Austin Trusty, Marcelo Saracchi, Reo Hatate, Dane Murray, Anthony Ralston, and Kieran Tierney. Midfield features Luke McCowan, Arne Engels, Paulo Bernardo, Callum McGregor, and Benjamin Nygren, while forwards comprise Yang, James Forrest, Kelechi Iheanacho, Daizen Maeda, Sebastian Tounekti, Cvancara, and Adamu, as detailed in UEFA’s official squad list and coverage from celtsarehere.com and thecelticbhoys.com.
What does this mean for Celtic’s Europa League hopes?
The squad adjustments offer O’Neill flexibility during a demanding run of fixtures, though the injury toll tests squad depth. Stuttgart arrive in form, boosted by a recent Bundesliga win, setting up a stern test over two legs. Celtic must harness the home atmosphere at Parkhead for the first leg advantage.
UEFA confirms the play-off structure leaves Celtic unseeded, demanding strong performances in Glasgow before resilience in Germany.
