James Forrest could be back in the Celtic side to play Partick Thistle on Thursday.
The winger has been plagued by injury problems over the last three years but Ronny Deila has pledged to find out the root of the issue.
Forrest missed Saturday’s 0-0 draw at home to Ross County but could be fit for the match at Firhill as Celtic kick-off 2015 looking to return to form after picking up one point from their last two matches.
“James Forrest should, hopefully, be back for the next game, against Partick Thistle on Thursday,” Deila confirmed. “He had taken a knock during the game against Dundee United, it wasn’t anything serious, but we didn’t take any chances with that for the game against Ross County.
“Jason Denayer is making progress, but we don’t know if he will be ready for the Thistle game. Mikael Lustig is also moving forward, and he is not too far away to be considered for this one.”
Denayer, Lustig and Charlie Mulgrew may be left out until Celtic head to Gran Canaria rather than risk injury before the demanding February schedule.
Celtic will miss the trip to St Johnstone on January 10 to face PSV Eindhoven before meeting Sparta Prague three days later.
It remains to be seen whether any new faces travel to Gran Canaria with Deila hinting that players may have to move out before he can bring anyone new into his squad.
The January transfer window is treated with caution by most clubs although last season Celtic moved for Leigh Griffiths and Stefan Johansen.
Virgil van Dijk and Kris Commons seem certain to be in demand elsewhere but with involvement in three cup competitions and the league race tighter than expected selling either player would be a major risk for the club to take.