Brendan Rodgers has conceded defeat in his bid to have Tom Rogic available for next Saturday’s Glasgow derby.
At Friday’s media conference the Celtic boss revealed that talks were on going with the Australian Federation to retain the midfielder for an extra two days.
CELTIC
Brendan Rodgers says midfielder Tom Rogic will leave the @CelticFC squad after the Boxing Day match v @AberdeenFC to join up with @FFA, and will miss the Old Firm game v @RangersFC
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— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) December 22, 2018
Overnight comments from the Australian Federation suggested that the door had closed on that possibility with Rodgers admitting defeat after today’s 3-0 win over Dundee.
Australian international boss Graham Arnold has been adamant that his players meet up on December 27 despite his side not playing until January 6 against Jordan in the Asian Cup.
The Socceroos have a warm up match against Oman on December 30 which Rogic will be involved in 24 hours after the Ibrox clash.
After missing Celtic’s last two matches due to injury Rogic returned to the Celtic side that beat Motherwell but will now fly out to UAE on December 27 after the SPFL match away to Aberdeen.