Celtic handed fresh injury concern amid second Rangers defeat

Celtic have been handed an injury concern to add injury to insult after their second successive derby defeat on Sunday. The Bhoys lost 1-0 at home to their biggest rivals on Sunday, once again coming up short on execution and intensity to continue a wretched run of fumbling big games.

Martin O'Neill just cannot seem to get his men up for the big games, and that is beyond the fact there are clear issues in this team, both in terms of personnel and the lack of tactical nuance.

After the international break, Celtic are hoping to get Alistair Johnston back from his hamstring injury, which will be a much-welcomed boost. The Canadian is a consistent performer and can offer some experience and leadership, although Colby Donovan has been one of the few who has shown real character during this largely gutless run of defeats.

Johnston is a higher-quality player, though, and Celtic should also see the return of Callum Osmand from his ankle injury, offering another option upfront, where Camilo Durán and Kasper Hogh have routinely disappointed over the last couple of weeks.

But it is not all good news on the fitness front, with midfielder Joel van den Berg looking set for a spell on the sidelines. The summer signing was spotted signing autographs in a protective boot ahead of Sunday's Old Firm with Rangers, which certainly explains why he was not involved in the matchday squad.

Van den Berg is yet to get an opportunity for the Bhoys, but it will be hoped he is not set for an extended spell on the sidelines. Naturally, there is no indication of what the injury is or how lengthy the midfielder's absence will be at this point.

Celtic are looking sorely short of options in the middle, so Van den Berg could be an alternative Martin O'Neill will want to look at. Although the Dutchman is more attacking by nature, and Celtic's major issues stem from the holding midfield positions currently.