After starting the season with a flurry with a goal against Aberdeen injury struck Stephen Welsh at the worst possible time.Â
A virus ruled him out of the win away to Ross County with the after effects keeping him out of Sunday’s 5-0 win away to Kilmarnock.Â
While watching from the sidelines Moritz Jenz and Carl Starfelt have joined him on the scoresheet as Ange Postecoglou’s defensive options opened right up.Â
Cameron Carter-Vickers looks a certain starter but as Football Scotland reported yesterday there will be plenty of competition in training this week to partner the former Spurs defender:Â
Stephen Welsh missed last weekend’s Celtic win over Kilmarnock as he continued recovering from a virus.Â
The Hoops defender was ruled out of his side’s previous clash with Ross County with the illness with the game coming just too quickly for the centre-half.Â
The 22-year-old was expected back for the Killie trip but ended up being left out of the squad entirely.Â
Football Scotland understands that is because the defender still hadn’t fully recuperated. We understand the player is now back in full training with his teammates.Â
Reo Hatate should be back in contention for a midfield place as Postecoglou enjoys his second last free midweek before the World Cup break in November.Â
The Celtic boss is still active in the transfer market but with Welsh and Hatate back in contention there could be some big names unable to get a place on the bench against Hearts on Sunday.Â
Mikey Johnstone, Chris Jullien, Albian Ajeti and Scott Bain haven’t made the matchday squad in the first three matches of the season.Â