Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie underwent groin surgery after the Rangers game.
The Scotland international played most of the home defeat against his club’s biggest rivals.
However, he was a second half substitute following a challenge with Gers hit-man Alfredo Morelos.
With the three week break coming up, Christie will be happy to recover without losing his place.
Ryan Christie in surgery after Celtic derby defeat
Sunday’s defeat is one that the attacking midfielder won’t forget for the wrong reasons.
The player of the season candidate missed a first half penalty and then came off injured.
He was rushed to hospital for ‘urgent’ surgery report the Scottish Daily Mail.
They say there isn’t a definite time on his return, but the bulk should be taken during the winter break.
Christie deserves massive props though to play through the pain barrier for the club.
He was a much needed replacement for Leigh Griffiths as the Hoops fired two up front for the last 10 minutes of the fixture.
Everyone will be hoping the 24-year-old makes a quick recovery to continue his top form.
However, Christie himself knows if his recovery takes him over the three week break, there will be many in behind him to take his place.
Who plays if worst comes to the worst?
The former Inverness and Aberdeen man is one of the first names on the team sheet.
But, if he misses even just a game, the likes of Tom Rogic and Olivier Ntcham will be asking the question.
Ntcham has played in recent games as a starter that has split the fans down the middle.
Some say the Frenchman upsets the rhythm of the team that had been performing so well.
However, the Celts were dominated without him on Sunday after he dropped to the bench.
Ntcham could join Brown in the holding midfield role with Callum McGregor sitting behind Odsonne Edouard.
Alternatively, attacking midfielder Rogic can be a straight swap for Christie.
These are all ifs, buts and maybes, as Christie is a determined character who will set his eyes on returning ASAP.
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