Brugge are set to be without two key players for their crunch Champions League showdown at Celtic next week after a double injury setback.
The Hoops face the Belgian side next week at Parkhead in a strong position to reach the playoffs at least after home wins against Slovan Bratislava and RB Leipzig and a draw at Atalanta. Their one defeat in the new-look format saw them crushed 7-1 by Borussia Dortmund. Brugge have been struggling domestically although they have won twice in the Champions League this season,
But they will now be without highly-rated Dutch Under 21s left back Bjorn Meijer and Swedish international striker Gustaf Nilsson after injuries picked up on international week. Meijer has a thigh injury and the swelling is so severe, he has not yet been able to go for a scan and is expected to be missing until the New Year.
And seven-times capped star Nilsen is set to miss out with an achilles heel problem and won’t be back until next month. Celtic currently sit in 15th place in the table, a point ahead of Brugge in 22nd.
Meanwhile, Daizen Maeda admits it would be a dream if he could help Japan become the first team to clinch qualification for the World Cup in their next game in March.
