Celtic Get Massive Boost as Beşiktaş Receive Devastating Injury Blow Ahead of Clash
Celtic have been handed a potentially significant boost ahead of Thursday night’s crucial UEFA Europa League clash with Beşiktaş at Celtic Park, as the Turkish side continue to sweat over the fitness of their influential captain Orkun Kökçü.
With the match just two days away, the latest updates from Istanbul as of Tuesday, 3 November 2026, suggest that Beşiktaş’s star midfielder remains a major doubt.
The 25-year-old Turkey international has been battling a partial tear of the plantar fascia in his right foot, an injury that has already sidelined him for several weeks.
Turkish media outlets, including Sözcü and BirGün, report that Kökçü will be carefully assessed during Tuesday’s training session before head coach Vincenzo Italiano makes a final decision on whether the captain travels to Glasgow.
Multiple sources indicate that if any residual pain persists, the club will not risk their most important player.
Given the international break that follows this weekend’s domestic fixtures, Beşiktaş have the option of granting Kökçü an additional two weeks of recovery without significantly disrupting their long-term plans.
That cautious approach appears increasingly likely to leave Celtic facing a Beşiktaş side without their on-field leader.
Kökçü’s Absence Could Shift the Balance
Orkun Kökçü has been the heartbeat of Beşiktaş since his big-money arrival from Benfica. The former Feyenoord standout and Eredivisie Player of the Year has delivered consistently this season, contributing goals and assists while dictating the tempo from central midfield.
His leadership as club captain has been equally vital. In the games he has missed – including matches against Trabzonspor, Crystal Palace, Başakşehir and Kasımpaşa – Beşiktaş have looked noticeably less fluid and less authoritative in midfield.
Without Kökçü, the Black Eagles have managed just one win in four competitive fixtures. That record will not have gone unnoticed in the Celtic dressing room.
Martin O’Neill’s side, who have failed to pick up a single point from their opening three Europa League matches, desperately need a positive result on Thursday if they are to keep realistic hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.
The current format means the top eight progress automatically to the Round of 16, while teams finishing ninth to 24th enter a playoff round. Celtic currently sit on zero points and face an uphill battle to climb the table.
Beşiktaş, by contrast, have taken seven points from a possible nine and occupy a strong position that would currently secure automatic qualification.
They arrive in Glasgow on the back of a frustrating 2-2 draw with Kasımpaşa at the weekend, a result in which they surrendered a two-goal lead.
That domestic disappointment, combined with indifferent away form in the Süper Lig (just one win in their last five road games), means Italiano’s men will be highly motivated to make a statement in Europe.
Celtic’s Own Injury Concerns
While the potential absence of Kökçü is clearly positive news for Celtic, the hosts are not without their own problems.
Right-back Alistair Johnston is definitely out after suffering another hamstring setback just 13 minutes into his comeback against Hibernian. The Canadian international is not expected to return until after the upcoming international break.
South Korean winger Yang Hyun-jun remains a doubt after a lengthy hamstring absence, although he has been edged closer to a return in recent days.
Jota is ineligible for the Europa League squad, while Kieran Tierney is being monitored after picking up knocks in the weekend defeat to Falkirk.
Despite those absences, Celtic will view Thursday’s fixture as a must-win opportunity. The atmosphere at a full Celtic Park under the lights has often proved decisive in European ties, and O’Neill will be demanding a response after three consecutive defeats in the competition.
The manager has spoken of the need for greater intensity and clinical finishing if his side are to reverse their fortunes.
Beşiktaş Still Pack a Punch
Even without their captain, Beşiktaş retain considerable quality. Leandro Trossard, a key figure in Arsenal’s Premier League title success last season, offers creativity and goal threat from the left.
Former Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović brings proven pedigree in the final third, while the midfield contains experienced campaigners capable of controlling games.
The Turkish side also possess defensive solidity that has helped them remain unbeaten in the Europa League league phase so far.
Italiano will be acutely aware that Celtic are vulnerable at present. The Scottish champions have conceded freely in Europe and have struggled to convert territorial dominance into clear-cut chances. Beşiktaş will look to exploit any defensive uncertainty and hit on the counter, a style that has served them well in previous continental campaigns.
The Stakes Could Not Be Higher
For Celtic, the equation is straightforward. Anything less than three points against Beşiktaş would leave their progression hopes hanging by a thread. With several tough fixtures still to come in the league phase, a home win is essential to maintain belief and momentum.
The supporters will play their part – Celtic Park has a long history of intimidating visiting European sides – but the players must deliver a performance of real substance.
Beşiktaş, meanwhile, will treat the fixture as an opportunity to strengthen their grip on a top-eight finish.
A positive result in Glasgow would represent a significant step towards automatic qualification and would further enhance their reputation as one of the more consistent performers in this season’s competition.
As of Tuesday evening, the situation surrounding Orkun Kökçü remains fluid. Training assessments will continue, and a definitive squad announcement is expected closer to the match.
Should the captain be ruled out, Celtic will rightly feel they have been given a golden opportunity.
Whether they can capitalise remains to be seen, but the potential absence of Beşiktaş’s most influential player has already shifted the narrative surrounding Thursday’s showdown.
One thing is certain: both sets of players and supporters understand the magnitude of the occasion.
For Celtic it is about survival and revival in Europe. For Beşiktaş it is about consolidating their strong start and proving their credentials on the road.
The injury cloud hanging over Kökçü has only heightened the intrigue. Celtic Park is set for a night of high drama.