Celtic could be without Tom Rogic for five matches due to the Asian Cup.
Australia are among the favourites for the tournament which runs from January 5 until February 1 in the United Arab Emirates.
Rogic will be one of the key players for Graham Arnold with Brendan Rodgers confirming that the 26-year-old will take part.
The midfielder missed Celtic’s defeat from Hibs on Sunday but is expected to return to action before the turn of the year.
“Tom’s injury is a management issue,” Brendan Rodgers explained to The Sun.
“He won’t get anything done in January as he will be away to the Asian Cup with Australia.
“We have to manage it. He had an injection, which means he’d struggle for a couple of games. We are hoping he will train at the end of the week.”
Celtic will be able to get a close up view of the Asian Cup when they enjoy a week of warm weather training next month in Dubai.
While Rogic is away he will miss a run of home matches against Airdrie (Scottish Cup), St Mirren, Hamilton and St Johnstone with a second match away to Tommy Wright’s side on February 3- two days after the final of the Asian Cup.
In their group matches Australia face Jordan, Palestine and Syria with new boss Arnold looking to make a big impact in his first tournament in charge.
