ERIK Sviachenko is out of tomorrow’s third round Champions League qualifier against Astana.
The Danish defender was left behind as Celtic flew in to Kazakhstan yesterday with Brendan Rodgers squad already missing Jozo Simunovic and Dedryck Boyata.
Efe Ambrose is the only recognised central defender in the Celtic squad meaning that Rodgers will have to draft in Eoghan O’Connell and/or Mikael Lustig to shore up his defence.
Sviachenko suffered a head knock in the friendly against Wolfsborg but was fit to start last Wednesday’s win over Lincoln Red Imps.
His absence against Leicester City on Saturday was viewed as precautionary but according to The Sun Sviachenko is now injury doubt for the return leg against Astana after being left out of the long trip to Kazakhstan.
Rodgers is now likely to go with a back three as he attempts to negotiate his way into the play-off stage of the Champions League qualification process. Kristoffer Ajer and Stefan Johansen also missed the trip due to injuries.
New signing Kolo Toure could be pushed into action in the return leg but playing in such a vital match ten days after starting serious pre-season training would be a massive risk for the hoops boss to take.
Toure will spend this week in pre-season mode and can’t wait to get started in a green and white shirt.
At his media conference yesterday he said: ““I am looking forward to it, because the story of this club is massive. I have been at other clubs that have a story as well.
“I am used to that and I really want to enjoy this time at Celtic. When I spoke to Brendan that was important, but when when you are linked with a team like Celtic you are just so happy because it is one of the best clubs around.
“Brendan is here as well and that made things much easier. I am delighted I have signed for this club.”