CELTIC’s injury worries have been made worse as Stephen Welsh has been declared out long term, according to reports.
The defender signed a new four-year deal yesterday but boss Brendan Rodgers said he had “picked up a knock” in training.
And after a scan yesterday, he has been told he will be out of action for up to EIGHT weeks with ankle ligament damage, according to the Daily Record.
Welsh joins Cameron-Carter Vickers on the injured list to limit the centre back options available for Celtic.
The Hoops’ first choice stopper was taken off at half time in their 3-1 win over Aberdeen last weekend.
His return timeline has not been confirmed by Rodgers who said he would be assessed over the next week.
The manager has added two new centre backs to his squad in Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke.
Carl Starfelt recently departed for Celta Vigo and Yuki Kobayashi looks out of favour in Glasgow.
Liam Scales could be sent out of the club on another loan after a successful season at Aberdeen last year.
Tomoki Iwata can also be utilised at centre back but the injury to Welsh certainly leaves Rodgers will little choice at the back.
The Hoops have a number of other injured players, including Alistair Johnston, Reo Hatate and Marco Tilio.
Johnston’s injury has been carried over from last season while Hatate only managed 25 minutes of last weekend’s clash before limping off.
Tilio’s injury was brought over to Celtic from his last club and he is expected to return in a matter of weeks.
With the closure of the transfer window approaching, Rodgers may look to bring in more reinforcements than he anticipated.
The Hoops face Rangers on September 3 before their Champions League campaign starts next month.
And injuries will be an unwanted sight for the manager as the fixtures begin to pile up.
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