Celtic update: Oxlade-Chamberlain could start against Beşiktaş

Beşiktaş will travel to face Celtic on Thursday, November 5, in matchday four of the UEFA Europa League league phase. The clash at Celtic Park kicks off at 11pm Turkish time. Ahead of the match, attention has turned to former Beşiktaş player Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who returned to Celtic's starting lineup after a long absence.

The English midfielder started for the first time in weeks in Celtic's 2-0 away defeat to Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership last Sunday. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill explained the reasoning behind the decision in comments to Sky Sports. According to O'Neill, Chamberlain was handed the opportunity because Swedish midfielder Benjamin Nygren is currently carrying a knock.

O'Neill said: 'I'm hoping Oxlade-Chamberlain can bring that wonderful experience of his. He's a really good player. He can deal with the ball, which is great. I think he can give us something we've missed in the last few games. Nygren, who has been brilliant for us in terms of scoring important goals, is carrying a slight problem at the moment, so that gives Alex the opportunity to start.' These comments have fuelled speculation that Chamberlain could also start against Beşiktaş.

The 33-year-old Englishman joined Beşiktaş from Liverpool in 2023 and spent two seasons with the Turkish side. He made 50 appearances for Beşiktaş, scoring five goals and providing one assist. After leaving the club in August 2025, he spent six months without a team before signing an 18-month contract with Celtic in February.

Chamberlain has made 20 appearances for Celtic so far, scoring twice. This season he has featured in eight matches for 363 minutes without a direct goal contribution. Meanwhile, Beşiktaş drew 2-2 with Kasımpaşa in the Süper Lig last weekend, falling six points behind leaders Galatasaray, and will now shift focus to their away trip to face Celtic.