Erik Sviatchenko could be in the Celtic side to play Ross County on November 18 but Jozo Simunovic is still a few weeks away from a return.
Brendan Rodgers’ plans have been held back by a lack of defensive options with fitness rather than form the criteria for places.
Nir Bitton and Mikael Lustig have played in central defence in Champions League ties with last season’s first choice pairing spending most of their time in the treatment room.
Sviatchenko limped out of the Champions League qualifier away to Rosenborg at the start of August while Simunovic was last seen during the 3-0 win away to Anderlecht.
Updating the injury situation Chris Davies told The Sun: “Erik has been out for a while. He had his first injury, was back a short time then was out again.
“He needs to build up his fitness and sharpness having been out a long time. But he’s now back with the group every day.
“So it’ll possibly be after the break for Erik. The good thing is the international break gives him chance to build up his fitness and get some sessions in.
“He needs a strong week. Jozo is doing light rehab so he will be another few weeks. That bodes well and hopefully we can keep them fit.”
It’s expected that Celtic will be in the market for a central defender during the January transfer window with that area the biggest problem during the Champions League.
Rivaldo Coetzee of Ajax Cape Town failed a medical in August but it’s likely that Brendan Rodgers will be looking for a more experienced signing in January.