Celtic expect to find out the extent of Dedryck Boyata’s injury later today.
Reports yesterday, apparently coming from Belgium, suggested that the defender is facing six weeks out after injuring his knee in the pre-season friendly against Slavia Prague.
That would put the defender out of the Champions League qualifying campaign leaving Brendan Rodgers with Jozo Simunovic and Erik Sviatchenko as his only recognised central defenders.
Last season Rodgers had similar problems in central defence forcing him to turn to Efe Ambrose, draft in Eoghan O’Connell and sign up Kolo Toure.
None of those options are available with Jamie McCart the next in line for a place in defence after gaining valuable experience last season on loan at Inverness Caley Thistle.
Rodgers will give an update on the injury situation today as he prepares for Saturday’s friendly away to Shamrock Rovers.
Champions League opponents Linfield will host Hearts in a friendly at Windsor Park tomorrow.