Celtic turn their attention to the Europa League this week they face Stuttgart in the first leg of the last 16 playoffs at Parkhead (kick-off: 8pm).
Having moved within three points of Premiership leaders Hearts thanks to Julian Araujo’s dramatic 97th-minute winner in the 3-2 victory over Kilmarnock at the weekend, Martin O’Neill’s men will look to fly the flag as the only Scottish side still left in European competition this season.
They’ll face an in-form Stuttgart side that currently sits fourth in the Bundesliga table and enters the game on the back of a morale-boosting 3-1 home victory over Koln. With their fifth win in the last six games in all competitions, head coach Sebastian Hoeneß will be aiming to get a positive result in Glasgow ahead of next week’s second leg at the MVP Arena.
Ahead of the game at Parkhead, The Scotsman has all the early team news:
1. GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 01: Celtic’s Tomas Cvancara (L) celebrates with Callum McGregor (C) after scoring to make it 1-0 during a William Hill Premiership match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park, on February 01, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)
Celtic are missing several key players for the visit of Stuttgart in the Europa League last 16 playoffs this week. Cr: SNS Group. | SNS Group
2. Julian Araujo – Celtic – AVAILABLE
One of three players added to Celtic’s Europa League squad for the competition, Sunday’s matchwinner against Kilmarnock is eligible to play at Celtic Park on Thursday. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
3. Luca Jaquez – Stuttgart – DOUBT
Has been missing with illness recently, but could return for the visit to Glasgow this week. | Getty Images
4. Arne Engels – Celtic – OUT
The Belgian midfielder will miss the game with a thigh injury he picked up against Livingston last week. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images