Callum McGregor is absent through injury having picked up a knock in training. There’s a lack of quality depth at the deeper midfield positions so the captain will be a keenly felt miss.
There’s also serious issues further forward after it was revealed Liel Abada will sit out due to Jewish holiday Yom Kippur. He joins James Forrest on the absentee list, leaving Ange Postecoglou without a natural fit to play on the right of the front three.
Adam Montgomery, a left-winger at youth level before being converted into a full-back, is an option, but may be needed to play at left-back with Greg Taylor another injury absence.
To top it all off, Greek striker Giorgos Giakoumakis still isn’t fit enough to start which, due to Kyogo Furuhashi’s injury, leaves limited options at striker.
. GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JANUARY 25: Celtic's Callum McGregor and Greg Taylor arrive during the Ladbrokes Premiership match between Celtic and Ross County at Celtic Park on January, 25, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey/ SNS Group)
Both Callum McGregor and Greg Taylor have been ruled out of Thursday's clash for Celtic. Picture: SNS Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
. GK - Joe Hart
The former Manchester City stopper has proven himself easily the club's best goalkeeper in his short time. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
. DR - Anthony Ralston
The right-back has returned from injury and will be available. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
1. GK - Joe Hart
The former Manchester City stopper has proven himself easily the club's best goalkeeper in his short time. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
2. DR - Anthony Ralston
The right-back has returned from injury and will be available. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
3. DL - Josip Juranovic
Started on the left of the back four at Ibrox and will probably have to do so again with Taylor out. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
4. DC - Cameron Carter-Vickers
Enjoyed an excellent debut against Ross County, but it's fair to say this test will be just a little bit tougher... Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group