Celtic have made three signings in the last week of the transfer window.
For many fans, this is not enough. Manager Brendan Rodgers likely agrees – evidenced by his lack of facilitation for the planned transfers of Yang Hyun-Jun, Hayato Inamura and Johnny Kenny.
Those who have come in will need to make an instant impact, with a severe lack of depth in Celtic’s forward areas.
In securing the signing of Michel-Ange Balikwisha, Celtic have completed their pursuit of a long-term target from Royal Antwerp, and Rodgers’ decision to immediately start him at Ibrox was telling.
Marcelo Sarrachi will be a valuable back-up for Kieran Tierney, who remains unable to complete 90 minutes despite completing a full pre-season.
Sebastian Tounekti arrives at the club from Hammarby as something of an unknown quantity, but much like Balikwisha, his impact in the first team will be essential to Celtic’s form.
There is, however, a potential problem in the signings that have been made, creating a new potential nightmare for Rodgers.
Three new Celtic signings could be missing in winter due to AFCON
The Africa Cup of Nations has been a thorn in the side of many European clubs, given its timing coinciding with the peak of the European club calendar.
Celtic have been similarly impacted by the Asian Cup in the past, where key players from Japan and Australia have taken part.
But given how light Rodgers’ squad is in these areas, the potential impact of the 2025 tournament could be major, depending on how many players are called up.
Despite being a Belgian youth international, Balikwisha has recently declared for DR Congo, for whom he is likely to be an important player.
For Tounekti, a Tunisia call-up is less certain, but absolutely possible should he hit the ground running at Celtic.
This would already leave Celtic light. But should a deal be completed for reported target Kelechi Iheanacho, a third member of Celtic’s attack would be at risk of becoming unavailable during the winter months.
New schedule of AFCON increases its potential impact on Celtic
The 2025 edition of the tournament begins on December 21st – meaning it will be the first time it has been played across the Christmas and New Year period.
The competition will end four days before Celtic’s trip to play Bologna in the Europa League. Its main impact, however, will be on the next Glasgow Derby against Rangers.
Along with the Rangers fixture, Celtic have four other matches during the period of the tournament, including the Fourth Round of the Scottish Cup, when the Hoops enter.
Should two, or potentially three, Celtic players travel to the competition, its impact could either affect – or create – an unlikely domestic title race.
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