Filip Helander has aimed for a return to action early next year, according to a report.
The Rangers defender has been a long-term absentee for the Light Blues and is yet to make a single appearance this season both domestically or in the Champions League. The Swede is just one of a number of key stoppers on the sidelines with Connor Goldson and John Souttar also ruled out, leaving under-fire Giovanni van Bronckhorst very short in options.
Leon King has been thrown in the deep end with summer signing Ben Davies playing alongside the youngster or the versatile James Sands, who took up the role earlier this season and has featured in that position regularly. A source close to the Sweden international admits it has been 'frustrating' for the defender but he can now see light at the end of the tunnel.
