Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan join Celtic as Alistair Johnston is sidelined
Category: Sports
Celtic Football Club has announced its 25-man squad for the upcoming Champions League play-off against LASK, highlighting new signings and notable absences. The squad includes fresh talent like Haissem Hassan and Mika Baur, who are eager to make their mark in European competition.
Among the most notable developments, Alistair Johnston will not participate in the match, as confirmed by manager Martin O'Neill, who stated that Johnston is expected to be out until mid-September due to injury. This absence could impact Celtic's defensive strategy as they prepare for a challenging encounter.
New recruit Mika Baur, a 22-year-old midfielder from Bundesliga side Paderborn, has expressed his excitement about joining Celtic and playing on the Champions League stage. Baur's transfer was confirmed on August 14, 2026, with the deal reportedly worth up to £8 million, including potential add-ons. He noted that a conversation with former Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn played a key role in his decision to join the club.
The squad features a mix of experienced players and young talent, with goalkeepers Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan leading the lineup. Defenders include Liam Scales, Auston Trusty, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Dane Murray, Anthony Ralston, Kieran Tierney, and Adam Montgomery. Midfielders also comprise Reo Hatate, Luke McCowan, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Callum McGregor, Benjamin Nygren, and the newly signed Baur and Engels.
On the attacking front, Celtic will rely on Yang Hyun-jun, Sebastian Tounekti, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, James Forrest, Johnny Kenny, Callum Osmand, Kasper Hogh, Camilo Duran, and Haissem Hassan to spearhead their efforts against LASK. The inclusion of homegrown players Colby Donovan and Marcus Gill as under-21s adds depth to the squad.
Haissem Hassan, another recent addition, is particularly motivated as he shared his ambition to help Celtic establish a regular presence in the Champions League. The 24-year-old winger, who impressed during the World Cup for Egypt, expressed his eagerness to contribute to the team's success in Europe.
Celtic's preparations for the Champions League play-off come after a summer of strategic recruitment aimed at bolstering the squad. The club's management has focused on bringing in players who can perform at the highest level, which is evident in their recent acquisitions. The transfer of Baur from Paderborn signifies Celtic's commitment to enhancing their midfield options as they aim for success in both domestic and European competitions.
The decision to include young players like Donovan and Gill reflects Celtic's strategy of integrating homegrown talent into the first team. This approach strengthens the squad and aligns with the club's philosophy of nurturing local talent. As they prepare for the match against LASK, the emphasis on a balanced squad will be key to their performance.
Historically, Celtic has had a rich presence in European football, with the club having previously won the European Cup in 1967. This legacy adds pressure and expectation for the current squad to perform well in the Champions League. The upcoming play-off against LASK is an opportunity for Celtic to demonstrate their capabilities on a prominent stage.
The Champions League play-off first leg against LASK is scheduled for next Wednesday, and the outcome will be instrumental in determining Celtic's path in the tournament. A successful result could pave the way for a more extended run in European competition, which is a primary objective for the club this season.
Looking ahead, the club will be closely monitoring Johnston's recovery as his return will be a substantial boost for the defense. Meanwhile, Baur and Hassan’s integration into the squad will be watched with interest as fans hope to see their new signings make an immediate impact.
As Celtic gears up for this important match, the focus will be on executing their game plan effectively. With a blend of experience and youthful energy, the team aims to make a strong statement in the Champions League. The anticipation surrounding the match is high, and supporters are eager to see how the new signings will contribute to the club's ambitions.
As the first leg approaches, Celtic's management and fans are hopeful that the team can rise to the occasion, with Baur and Hassan set to play key roles in the endeavor. The match against LASK will test the squad's depth and their resolve as they seek to advance in one of the most prestigious tournaments in football.