Union faces Bodø/Glimt with just 17 fit players available

Union Saint-Gilloise travel to Norway to face Bodø/Glimt after a 1-5 win over Westerlo, but manager David Hubert warns the Belgian side may have only seventeen fit A‑core players for the crucial European return.

The impressive victory over Westerlo has given Union confidence heading into the match, yet Hubert admits his squad is now under unprecedented strain.

In the worst‑case scenario Hubert could be left with just seventeen fit A‑core players on Tuesday. This season Union has shown a broad core, but the depth could vanish completely in Norway.

UEFA list limits leave gaps

UEFA rules allow only twenty‑one players on the European list, and several are already unavailable. Anan Khalaili was not fit enough on Saturday and will not travel as he finalises his transfer to Crystal Palace. Adem Zorgane remains uncertain after a knock in the Supercup.

Ross Sykes is out for months, and Kevin Rodriguez missed the Westerlo game due to family reasons. It is still unclear whether the striker will be back in time for Tuesday.

Youth thrust into European clash

If all those absences materialise, Union will have only seventeen full A‑core players, including two goalkeepers, leaving the coach with very limited options to adjust during the game.

The vacant spots will likely be filled by youngsters, many of whom have little or no experience at the highest level and some have never played a minute in the Jupiler Pro League.

This makes the European assignment against Bodø/Glimt especially delicate. Union must not only defend a result in Norway but may also have to rely on a bench that has never competed at this level before.

Nevertheless, the Brussels club has already demonstrated resilience this season, coming back from behind against Club Brugge, Bodø/Glimt and Westerlo, though Hubert may not have his usual strong bench to fall back on.

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