Three to four months- Rodgers gives timeline on injured Celtic defender

Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Stephen Welsh is looking at three to four months out of action and will require surgery on his ankle.

The defender signed a new contract on Friday morning them suffered an ankle injury during training.

On Saturday morning the Daily Record reported that Welsh would be out for a minimum of two months but yesterday that timeline was extended.

Listening in to Rodgers speaking to Radio Scotland in his pre-match interview, The Celtic Way reports the hoops boss saying:

It’s just really unfortunate for Stephen. Right at the end of training, he landed awkwardly and he ruptured the ligaments in his ankle which will mean he needs an operation.

That’ll put him out for around three to four months, which is a real shame for him because he played really well when he came on against Aberdeen and he would’ve started today (Sunday).

That timeline would see him scheduled to return in December, with the conditions at that time of year a return after the January break might be more realistic.

With Cameron Carter-Vickers suffering a hamstring injury away to Aberdeen the previous week it means that Rodgers is down to his two new signings plus Liam Scales as options in central defence.

No timeline has been offered for Carter-Vickers returning to action, with the clock ticking towards Ibrox on September 3 Rodgers will be hoping that his most experienced defender is available for the first Derby match of the season.