The Scottish champions face a defensive crisis with centre-back trio Cameron Carter-Vickers, Maik Nawrocki and Stephen Welsh all on the treatment table leaving just Gustaf Lagerbiekle and Liam Scales.
Brendan Rodgers is sure his Celtic fringe stars will 'step up' as he admitted the injury woes in his squad are 'very frustrating'.
One big boost is the return of Alistair Johnston to full training and he could feature as early as Saturday's Scottish Premiership outing with St Johnstone. A make-shift defence could take to the field with only Gustaf Lagerbielke and Liam Scales the fit centre-backs in the frst-team fold with Tomoki Iwata capable of also filling in - like he did under Ange Postecoglou last season.
He told Celtic TV: "It's very frustrating. Obviously, you want to have your best players available and clearly that's not the case for us. But you have to get on with it. It's just been the nature over the course of pre-season. We just have to deal with it, we've got lots of capable players in the squad and I'm sure they will step up."
Rodgers has urged his players to move on from the loss and bounce back against St Johnstone, he added : "When you lose important games like that, you have to be mentally strong. When you are operating at a big club in particular where the spotlight's on you and the focus is on you, you've got to have that mental strength. That's the first and foremost.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The revolving Celtic transfer door behind Brendan Rodgers 'quality' signing pleaThe Parkhead boss admitted he hoped to see a busy end to the summer window after defeat to Kilmarnock.
Read more »
Brendan Rodgers told Celtic miss Jota factor but impact can be remediedThe former Celtic defender reckons there's no need for panic on the transfer front for the champions
Read more »
Neil Lennon predicts Celtic transfer 'demand' Brendan Rodgers will makeLennon believes Rodgers is back to improve Celtic's Champions League status but needs more firepower to do so.
Read more »
9 Celtic wildcard fixes Brendan Rodgers must consider to fix defensive crisisBrendan Rodgers could be heading to Ibrox short on options with injuries plaguing his squad.
Read more »
Celtic transfer bulletin with Brendan Rodgers move for Tierney 'one to watch'The Hoops could be set for a busy end to the transfer market after the manager's admission.
Read more »
Brendan Rodgers relishing Ibrox trip as Celtic boss challenges hurting starsThe Irishman said his players have to show mental strength to bounce back from Killie defeat.
Read more »