Rodgers delivers latest Celtic injury update ahead of Europa League clash

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has stated that Dedryck Boyata and Kristoffer Ajer picked up groin and ankle injuries respective on Saturday and his side now faces a nervous wait to find out the extent of the injury.

Celtic were beaten 1-0 by Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, with two of the player being forced from the pitch in the first half.

This meant Rodgers had to make changes to the shape of his squad and is short of options at the back with important games coming thick and fast.

Celtic have already have January signing Marvin Compper out of action and allowed Erik Sviatchenko to return to his native Denmark on loan for the rest of the season.

Rodgers has stated that the club will assess Boyata and Ajer, but provided positive news in relation to Jozo Simunovic.

The Northern Irishman told Celtic’s official website:

“When you lose two out of your back three then it disrupts things. I don’t think that’s an excuse.

“Of course those guys have been perfect in the last number of weeks in terms of how we’ve played. It can be an issue when you pull up with a groin and an ankle. The guys complained about it but we know the pitch we are playing on so we have to cope with it.

“The injuries are unfortunate but I’ll see where we’re at. I don’t know how serious the injuries are as of yet. We just need to wait and see. Simunovic is fit but he struggles on the astro. He’ll be ready for next week though.”

Bhoys and will have the upcoming Europa League knockout clash against Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg in their gaze, with the Scottish champions potentially facing shortages at the back for the two-legged affair.

Celtic struggled earlier this season with injuries in defence, which have seen Nir Bitton to play out of position on occasions to fill the void.