Kilmarnock could be without three huge players for Celtic clash

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Steve Clarke has been known for working miracles at Kilmarnock, and he could be forced to make another one today.

The Ayrshire side welcome Premiership leaders and Champions Celtic to Rugby Park. It may be an unusual kick-off time of 4pm tonight, but that will hardly be the most pressing concern in Clarke’s mind.

Instead, it will likely be the fact that Kilmarnock could be missing three potentially huge players for today’s clash.

First off, Youssouf Mulumbu is on-loan at Killie from Parkhead. In the past, Celtic have been against their own players playing against them. This was the case for the likes of Scott Allan at Hibs and Ryan Christie at Aberdeen.

Whilst there’s no confirmation as of yet from either club about Mulumbu’s situation, it’s difficult to see it being anything other than the norm.

Secondly, striker Eamonn Brophy has a chance of featuring in the match-day squad. He’s been back in training over the last week, but hasn’t played in 22 days since a 0-0 draw at Aberdeen.

This has been down to a knee injury, and Clarke could easily decide not to risk him on his own plastic pitch.

Could previous match-winner miss out?

Meanwhile, one of the most efficient Killie players could also be out in addition to Mulumbu and Brophy. Celtic fans will remember him well given he scored the winner the last time the sides met at Rugby Park – Stuart Findlay.

The towering centre-back has been at the heart of two draws at Parkhead and the two Rugby Park wins over Celtic. His no-nonsense approach has consistently frustrated the likes of Leigh Griffiths and Moussa Dembele in the past.

Steve Clarke was quoted by Sky Sports as saying that Findlay is no better than 50-50 to make the contest.

In addition to that, both Steven Smith and Aaron Tshibola are doubtful too. But the original trio of Mulumbu, Findlay, and Brophy would be huge misses for Killie.

Brendan Rodgers will still be preparing for the worst this afternoon. He’ll be prepping for Killie at their strongest and absolute best.

But it could be the case that the Ayrshire side are nowhere near that come kick-off.