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:
5. RWB - Jeremie Frimpong
Whether Celtic play a back four or a back three, Frimpong is almost a certainty to start with Forrest and Elhamed both out. And, based on current form, he deserves to. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
6. RMC - Olivier Ntcham
David Turnbull could start instead, but given the magnitude of the game and the ex-Motherwell man still getting up to speed at Parkhead, Lennon is much more likely to go with the familiar in Ntcham. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
7. DM - Scott Brown
Lennon has been criticised for his use of his captain at times this season but this is exactly the sort of game he should be playing in. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
8. LCM - Callum McGregor
It would have been interesting to see whether one of McGregor or Christie was omitted from the starting XI had the latter been available. As it stands, McGregor is a certainty to start. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group