Celtic manager Tony Mowbray has revealed that on-loan striker Robbie Keane is a fitness doubt for Sunday’s top-of-the-table visit to Rangers.
However, Mowbray would not divulge the nature of the Irishman’s injury.
“I don’t know if he’ll be fit,” said the manager. “He hasn’t trained all week. I’m not saying what his injury is but we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Jos Hooiveld will definitely miss the trip to Ibrox but fellow defender Glenn Loovens has a chance of being fit.
Hooiveld is still out with a hamstring injury, while his Dutch compatriot hopes to shake off a similar problem.
Left-back Edson Braafheid did not train on Friday because of a calf injury.
Keane has scored three goals in five appearances since making his temporary switch from Tottenham last month.
And Mowbray stressed that the forward will be given until the last possible moment to prove his fitness.
“I wouldn’t want to say how big a blow it is or could be because we hope he will be fit but we will wait and see,” added Mowbray.
“I will give the injured players as long as we can.
“They will have to train tomorrow and have no reaction when they wake up on Sunday morning, so we will wait and see.”
Aiden McGeady and Darren O’Dea return from suspension to bolster Mowbray’s options.
Much of the match build-up has been overshadowed by the revelation that Celtic have met with the Scottish Football Association to discuss what they see as a problem with refereeing standards.
Further talks are planned but the timing of a leak about the negotiations from Celtic has been widely condemned.
“We are just looking for correct decisions,” explained Mowbray.
“From my point of view, some high-profile decisions have just been wrong. We are just looking for clarification.
“Referees always have a tough job but I don’t think there will be any extra burden this weekend. I would never ever question the integrity of a referee.
“You can look at conspiracy theories all you like. It’s just another story. l am not bothered by it and I’m sure Walter (Smith) is not bothered by it either.”
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