Sunday, 16 March 2025

Disappointment for Arne Engels as Belgium Omission Raises Questions Ahead of Glasgow Derby

Arne Engels Omitted from Belgium National Team for Upcoming Nations League Matches

Arne Engels, the promising 21-year-old midfielder currently playing for Celtic, has expressed disappointment following the decision to exclude him from the Belgium national team for their upcoming Nations League games against Ukraine. This news comes as a surprise to many, given that Engels has been a regular member of the squad prior to this announcement.

The omission is particularly striking considering the inclusion of fellow midfielder Nicolas Raskin from Rangers, who will now face Engels in a highly anticipated Glasgow Derby matchup this Sunday. The encounter between the two players adds an interesting dynamic to the rivalry, with Engels likely motivated to showcase his abilities on the pitch in response to his national team exclusion.

Engels transferred to Celtic for £11 million last summer as the club sought to fill the void left by Matt O’Riley, who made a £30 million move to Brighton. Since joining Celtic from Bundesliga side Augsburg, Engels has made a significant impact, netting 10 goals and providing 12 assists in 42 appearances. His transition into the team has been seamless, as he has effectively taken on the role of a key midfielder alongside Reo Hatate and team captain Callum McGregor.

His stellar performances, especially in the UEFA Champions League, have garnered attention. Notably, Engels delivered an impressive display during an away match against Bayern Munich. The decision by Belgian national team coach Rudi Garcia to overlook Engels for the upcoming qualifiers has left many fans questioning the rationale behind the selection choices. Some speculate that Garcia may be looking to evaluate other players ahead of the World Cup qualifiers slated for later this year.

As the weekend approaches and the Glasgow Derby draws near, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Engels as he vies to prove his worth and potentially earn a place back in the national team discussions. The match promises to be a showcase of talent from both sides and could serve as a turning point for the young midfielder's international aspirations.

Celtic Fanzone | @celticfanzone | Celtic FC

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Easy going, happily married, family oriented Celt who has a love for Celtic FC as well studying marketing.