Neil Lennon was already going to be without the services of James Forrest due to injury before a spate of call-offs due to Covid-19 has given him a massive selection headache.
Odsonne Edouard was the first to test positive for the virus while on international duty with the French under-21 side. He was then followed by Israeli duo Nir Bitton and Hatem Abd Elhamed, both of whom also tested positive while with their national team.
Then there was the case of Ryan Christie. The midfielder was forced into self-isolation for 14 days, despite multiple tests coming up negative, due to him being in close proximity to former Celtic team-mate and Scotland international Stuart Armstrong after he tested positive.
Celtic have released statements expressing their frustration and concern with international football in the middle of a global pandemic as these players miss the biggest club game of the season so far for Lennon’s men.
The Parkhead boss has a lot of decisions to make ahead of Saturday’s clash. Here’s who we think he’ll pick out of the players still available to him:
. GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 27: Celtic manager Neil Lennon during a Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Hibernian at Celtic Park on 27 September, in Glasgow, Scotland (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)
Celtic boss Neil Lennon. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
. GK - Vasilis Barkas
Barring any last-minute injuries or Covid-19-related issues, the Greek stopper will remain in goals. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
. RCB - Kristoffer Ajer
He's mainly played on the left of a three this season, but of the centre-backs available he's the one with the most experience playing on the right side of defence. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
1. GK - Vasilis Barkas
Barring any last-minute injuries or Covid-19-related issues, the Greek stopper will remain in goals. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
2. RCB - Kristoffer Ajer
He's mainly played on the left of a three this season, but of the centre-backs available he's the one with the most experience playing on the right side of defence. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
3. DC - Shane Duffy
Even before the issues with the squad, Duffy was a certainty in the heart of defence. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
4. LCB - Christopher Jullien
Lennon has been pretty wedded to the 3-5-2 this season, so it is likely he brings the Frenchman in to back-three rather than alter the shape. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group