Winter KO facing Old Firm stars
for crucial World Cup qualifiers at the same time.
That will see both clubs’ hopes of hitting the ground running after the break severely hampered.
Gers could be hit the hardest with Nigeria among the favourites to win the ACN for a fourth time.
If the Super Eagles progress to the later stages Aribo, Balogun and Bassey, would miss the Ibrox club’s first Scottish Cup tie as well as Premiership clashes with Livingston, and Ross County. They could also be absent for games with Hearts and Hibs.
Across the city, Kyogo’s Japan face China and Saudi Arabia on January 27 and February 1, while Rogic’s Australia face Vietnam and Oman on the same dates.
That clashes with the Hoops’ tough trip to Tynecastle on January 26. They then host Dundee United three days later.
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou will be relieved his stars have come through the international break unscathed after suffering a nightmare last month when Kyogo returned from Japan duty with an injury while Callum McGregor was also struggling.
But the travelling Hoops stars all came through the last two weeks undamaged and are due to check back in to Lennoxtown today ahead of Saturday’s Premiership clash with Motherwell at Fir Park.
Giorgos Giakoumakis was left out of the Greece squad to allow him to build his fitness at Celtic and the former VVV-Venlo striker could make his first start.
Rangers ace Bassey earned his first call-up for Nigeria where he hooked up with 40-times capped Balogun and Aribo, making his 10th appearance, as the Super Eagles recovered from a shock defeat to Central African Republic with a 2-0 win in the reverse fixture.
Balogun limped off in the second match but is expected to be fit for Saturday’s Premiership clash with Hearts at Ibrox, while Scotland youngster Nathan Patterson and Northern Ireland stalwart Steven Davis are also set to report back fit.