Just how unlucky can one manager be when it comes to injuries? Brendan Rodgers now has four central defenders on the treatment table at an already pivotal part of the season.
Cameron Carter-Vickers, Maik Nawrocki, Stephen Welsh and Yuki Kobayashi have all but effectively been ruled out for the Ibrox clash by reports in the media.
All but one has been confirmed by Brendan Rodgers to miss the Ibrox clash (Stephen Welsh), but it is looking increasingly unlikely that the other three will be available for the first Glasgow Derby of the season.
So how does that leave us looking for the trip to Ibrox?
The full-back positions look after themselves. With Alistair Johnston still out injured, Anthony Ralston will continue to deputise and Greg Taylor will resume his role as left-back. Johnston has returned to training but whether he will be ready in time is still up for debate.
Both have proven in the past that they are more than capable of performing on this stage but both players are also adjusting to the team’s new style of play under Brendan Rodgers.
In the centre of defence, Gustaf Lagerbielke and Liam Scales are all but certain to partner up to face Rangers.
Lagerbielke will be in line to make his third appearance for the Hoops should he get through the home fixture against St Johnstone on Saturday unscathed.
The Swede is certainly learning what life at a club like Celtic is after the scrutiny being poured on the team after the cup exit on Sunday. But that is nothing compared to what it will be like in the build-up to the Derby.
Liam Scales looks certain to start against our Glasgow rivals. The 25-year-old has found it difficult to break into the Hoops first team and it looked like he was on his way out this summer. Now he finds himself on the brink of not only making the match-day squad but starting against our biggest rivals.
Of course, Tomoki Iwata is also available and can slot into the centre of defence. He has done so previously at the end of last season and equipped himself fairly well.
How we have gone from starting the season having one of the strongest squads in years to this is quite incredible. It’s a horrendous run of bad luck for Brendan Rodgers but he must make sure that whoever makes the starting lineup at Ibrox, they are prepared and ready for one of the toughest afternoons of their careers.
In other news, Brendan Rodgers delivers Treble reality check after Celtic’s disappointing cup defeat
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