With one week to go in the transfer window, Celtic still have yet to address their defensive issues.
Celtic needing a new right back and a central defender is not breaking news to anyone who has watched them this season.
However, heading into the final week of the window, Celtic haven’t signed a defensive player.
All of Celtic’s additions this winter have been attackers. Olivier Burke, Timothy Weah and Vakoun Issouf Bayo have bolstered Brendan Rodgers’ attacking options.
However at the other end of the field, Celtic are severely lacking.
Mikael Lustig’s future is uncertain at the club beyond the summer. His performances have been regressing in recent months and a replacement is needed sooner rather than later.
MORE CELTIC STORIES
With Dedryck Boyata and Filip Benkovic both set to leave in the summer, Celtic’s central defence is threadbare.
Here’s the thing, Celtic might get away with not addressing their defensive issues.
Domestically, Celtic’s defence has largely been a solid unit all season.
In 21 games, Celtic have only conceded 14 goals in the league. They won the Betfred Cup and only conceded one goal along the way.
They also had a clean sheet against Airdrie in the Scottish Cup. Ironically, Partick Thistle are the last team to score against Celtic in both cup competitions.
If Celtic’s attack is firing, and with the additions so far it looks like they will be, their defence is largely irrelevant.
Of course there’ll be tight games in which one goal could sway it, but under Rodgers Celtic have the knack of being the team who nicks the goal.
Travelling trouble
The big test for Celtic obviously will be the Europa League tie against Valencia. In Europe under Rodgers, Celtic’s defence has let the team down.
An admirable qualification from a tough group was made harder by a lack of defensive presence away from home. Celtic have the attack to score in any game, but in Europe their defence often gives teams a two goal start.
It would have been nice to see new additions at the back installed before the Valencia game, with the Champions League qualifiers next year in mind too.
However, if this is how Celtic will go on until the end of the season, they still should be fine. Domestically at least.