Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers plays down Erik Sviatchenko’s injury

Celtic Erik Sviatchenko

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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers insists defender Erik Sviatchenko should be fit for his side’s Champions League qualifier with Lincoln Red Imps despite suffering a head injury on Saturday.

The Hoops secured a 2-1 friendly win over Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg, just days after they suffered an embarrassing defeat in Europe.

Goals from Callum McGregor and Ryan Christie were enough for Celtic to secure the win at Parkhead but it came at a price as Sviatchenko was forced off in the first half.

The Danish defender collided with visiting goalkeeper Diego Benaglio and Rodgers was forced to make an early change.

He made 10 more after half-time with 18-year-old Kristoffer Ajer playing alongside Eoghan O’Connell at the heart of defence.

Reports suggested Sviatchenko could miss the return meeting with Lincoln but Rodgers was quick to dismiss the rumours.

“He’s okay,” he said. “He has spoiled his good looks for a few days but he is fine.

“There was obviously a clash of heads and he was a bit swollen below the eye but apart from that he is fine. I believe he will be fine.”

Rodgers was also forced to discuss speculation surrounding Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan, but the former Swansea coach insists he has no update on any transfer front.

He added: “The only time I would speak about a player is when he comes in here. Young Jon Flanagan is a player that I know very well, but there is no update on any player.”

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