Celtic have been rocked by an injury to central defender Maik Nawrocki.
Brendan Rodgers now faces a defensive crisis ahead of matches against St Johnstone and Rangers.
The Scottish Sun report Polish defender Nawrocki have picked up a hamstring knock during Sunday's 1-0 loss to Kilmarnock in the Viaplay Cup.
It means the 22-year-old is set to be sidelined for a period and more than likely to miss the match against Rangers on September 3.
Celtic will also be without Cameron Carter-Vickers who suffered a hamstring injury against Aberdeen.
There is no timeframe for his return to action yet but it's reported he will also miss the powderkeg September 3 showdown against Rangers.
And Stephen Welsh will definitely miss the match as he undergoes surgery for ruptured ankle ligaments. The youngster suffered the cruel injury just hours after signing a new deal.
Yuki Kobayashi is reportedly still not yet fully fit following an injury in pre-season.
That leaves Celtic with just new boy Gustaf Lagerbielke - who made his debut in the loss to Killie - and Liam Scales as options in central defence.
Tomoki Iwata has previously filled in for Celtic at centre-back too. And the returning Alistair Johnston - from an ankle op - has played for Canada in the position.
Celtic are spread thin in defence after Carl Starfelt was allowed to leave for Celta Vigo and Bosun Lawal was sent out on loan to Fleetwood Town.
On Welsh, Rodgers confirmed at the weekend: "We need to get Cam (Carter-Vickers) back fit. I always think if you can get four centre-backs and some younger players in your system that's good. Plus, we've got some players that are adaptable like Iwata who can go back there.
"It's just really unfortunate for Stephen. Right at the end of training, he landed awkwardly and he ruptured the ligaments in his ankle which will mean he needs an operation.
"That'll put him out for around three to four months, which is a real shame for him because he played really well when he came on against Aberdeen and he would've started today (Sunday)."
