Celtic have suffered yet another fresh injury blow, with Filip Benkovic suffering a knock ahead of the St Johnstone clash.
Rodgers has confirmed on Celtic TV that the Croatian centre-back has picked up a knock. This comes nearly a month after suffering another injury at Ibrox that Celtic got away with due to the winter break.
It’s not yet been revealed whether this is a more serious knock, or whether it’s just a short-term one. Benkovic, however, remains Celtic’s best defender. Therefore, this is a blow for Wednesday night at the very least should he miss out.
What it could mean, however, is that Jozo Simunovic makes another return to first-team action. With Kristoffer Ajer likely to once again step-in for Dedryck Boyata having played at the weekend, Simunovic is the next reserve on the list.
A Jack Hendry reprieve?
Even more interesting, however, is the fact that it could welcome Jack Hendry back on to the bench. The Celtic misfit has been linked with a loan move away from the club all window. But a return to the first-team squad could be imminent given the problems Celtic appear to have mounting up at the back.
MORE CELTIC STORIES
Celtic have, however, been boosted by the apparent return of Tom Rogic. Australia were knocked out of the Asia Cup by the UAE over the weekend, with Rogic unavailable to play. Rodgers confirmed on Celtic TV that he won’t be available on Wednesday night, but is open to his return at the weekend.
The Aussie has struggled to recapture his form of last season, but his return is still a big boost. Celtic have lacked some spark in the number 10 position, with nobody making it their own in Rogic’s absence.
So it’s mixed news for the Celtic fans overall. They welcome back their best play-maker (but not for Wednesday), and have to make do without their best defender. It’s now down to Rodgers to find a solution ahead of the Saints’ visit on Wednesday night.