Celtic handed potential Europa League boost as Benfica suffer £40m double injury blow

Celtic could be handed a significant boost ahead of next week’s Europa League clash with Benfica after the Portuguese giants suffered a double injury blow during the international break.
Martin O’Neill’s side travel to Lisbon looking to bounce back from their disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Ferencvaros in their opening European fixture.

However, Benfica could be without two key players worth a combined £40million when the sides meet at the Estadio da Luz.

Polish playmaker Jakub Kaminski and Ukrainian midfielder Heorhiy Sudakov have both been forced to withdraw from international duty after picking up injuries.

Kaminski suffered a thigh problem during Poland’s clash with Bosnia and subsequently left the national team camp early.

Meanwhile, Sudakov sustained an ankle injury while representing Ukraine against Northern Ireland and was also sent home for further assessment.

Both midfielders are now expected to miss next week’s encounter with Celtic, potentially leaving Benfica significantly weakened in the middle of the park.

Sudakov joined the Portuguese side from Shakhtar Donetsk in a deal worth £20million after his initial loan move was made permanent during the summer.

Kaminski also arrived in a £20million transfer from Cologne earlier this year.