Ryan Christie AND Dedryck Boyata are set to return to action for next week’s vital SPFL matches at Pittodrie and Ibrox.
Christie was injured last week against RB Salzburg and Boyata in the Betfred Cup Final win over Aberdeen at the start of the month but both men are back in training and on course to starts at Pittodrie on December 26.
After losing 2-0 away to Hibs on Sunday Brendan Rodgers said that he now knew what his first choice team was with the injured duo of Christie and Boyata in that elusive XI.
“Dedryck has a good chance for the Aberdeen and Rangers games, absolutely,” the Celtic boss told The Sun. “Thankfully, his injury was only a slight, grade-one hamstring.
“He’s moving well outside, so we will see where he is at. He’s a big player for us. You see the solidity he gives. I like real pace in one of my centre-halves and he gives you that.
“He lets you squeeze your line and be nice and compact as a team. When he doesn’t play, we really miss him but he will be back soon.”
With the injuries that ruled Kieran Tierney, Tom Rogic and Mikael Lustig out of the defeat at Hibs short term issues Celtic could go into the last two matches of the year close to full strength.
Despite dropping 15 points on the road this season Celtic go to Pittodrie and Ibrox with 100% records under Rodgers- four wins out of four.
Before those matches Celtic play Motherwell and Dundee at home with six points required from those matches to go into the Christmas fixtures in good heart.