Brendan Rodgers has revealed Nat Phillips was never set to feature for Celtic against Rangers.
The centre-back - signed from Liverpool on loan - is not included in the matchday squad for the powderkeg fixture at Ibrox.
And Rodgers has confirmed he was aware of the fitness situation ahead of agreeing a deal for the defender after discussions with the Anfield medical team.
While Phillips was not deemed ready for the trip to Ibrox, Rodgers is hopeful he will be fit to make his debut for Celtic after the international break.
Quizzed on Phillips' omission from the squad, Rodgers told Sky Sports: "It was always the plan. Coming in this was the game that he wasn't going to be able to make.
"We've spoken with the Liverpool medical team, so we have to look after him.
"But he will be able for after the international break, hopefully."
On his move to Celtic, Phillips commented: “I’m really excited. When I heard about the interest it was one that got me excited.
"There were a few other options that didn’t quite make me feel the same as this one did, so I was really keen to get it over the line and I’m delighted to be here now.
“It’s the history of the club.
"It’s such a huge club, the club’s aspirations, the level it competes at, the fact that they’re in the Champions League this year and the mentality of the club – they want to be winners in everything they do.”
Rodgers added: “We’re delighted to bring Nat to Celtic and we’re looking forward to working with him in the months ahead.
"It’s been well-documented that it’s an area of the team we needed to look at in the short-term due to a number of injuries we have experienced, and so we’re pleased that Nat will provide that defensive support in the squad.
"Nat arrives with the experience of having played for another huge club in Liverpool and those experiences will serve him well here at Celtic.
"I know that he’s delighted with this move and is looking forward to working with the rest of the squad here.”
