Following Celtic’s Viaplay Cup defeat, the Hoops have been dealt another blow as recent injury updates may leave the Bhoys short in defence for their trip to Ibrox.

Worryingly, it’s looking very likely that Celtic will be travelling to Ibrox with a few centre-backs light. Cameron Carter-Vickers, Stephen Welsh, and Maik Nawrocki are set to miss the Glasgow Derby which will take place at Ibrox on 3rd September.

20th August 2023; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, Scotland: Scottish Viaplay Cup Football, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Maik Nawrocki of Celtic

After being taken off against Aberdeen earlier this month, it was revealed that Cameron Carter-Vickers was struggling with a hamstring issue, which has kept him out of the squad. Furthermore, a tumble in training has caused Stephen Welsh to rupture ankle ligaments, which will require surgery, therefore keeping him out of play for several weeks.

Last night, the Scottish Sun reported that Maik Nawrocki picked up a hamstring problem in the closing stages of Celtic’s defeat at Rugby Park. Although the length of the injury is not confirmed, the 22-year-old defender will reportedly miss Celtic’s journey to Ibrox at the beginning of September.

20th August 2023; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, Scotland: Scottish Viaplay Cup Football, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Marley Watkins of Kilmarnock tackles Maik Nawrocki of Celtic

With the transfer of Carl Starfelt to Celta Vigo earlier this summer, and the continued injury of Alistair Johnston, cover in defence is still looking short. Although, it seems that Johnston has returned to training and may even make an appearance against St Johnstone this weekend. There is always the danger of rushing him back too soon, as perhaps has been the case with Carter-Vickers, where there are now fears of a long term lay-off for the American.

Yuki Kobayashi was injured while playing for Celtic in the tour matches in Japan this summer. The Japanese defender is still sidelined but could be ready for the trip to Ibrox. However he endured a difficult Glasgow Derby debut there in the dead rubber match at the end of last season, and it would surely be a risk to play him there this time around?

20th August 2023; : Scottish Viaplay Cup Football, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Liam Scales of Celtic with Gustaf Lagerbielke of Celtic – this could be our central defence pairing for Ibrox.

This leaves Brendan Rodgers with just new signing Gustav Lagerbielke and fringe player Liam Stokes, who looked set to be joining Barry Robson’s Aberdeen in the closing stages of the transfer window. It’s almost certain that the Celtic manager will look to strengthen the squad ahead of the window.

Questions should be getting asked about the number of injuries that have been picked up this season after just three matches.