Injury blow for Hoops on eve of clash with leaders

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed Eboue Kouassi is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury with Daniel Arzani set to join him on the sidelines with a similar problem.

Midfielder Kouassi, 20, was substituted in the first-half of the 3-0 Betfred Cup semi-final win over Hearts at Murrayfield last Sunday.

Arzani, the 19-year-old Australia winger on loan from Manchester City, was carried off on a stretcher in the 5-0 Ladbrokes Premiership win over Dundee at Dens Park on Wednesday night after coming on to make his debut as a second-half substitute.

Ahead of the Ladbrokes Premiership game against Hearts at Parkhead today, Rodgers said: “We are waiting on the final analysis of the scans but it is unfortunate, it looks like this week we will have two cruciate injuries in terms of young Daniel and Eboue Kouassi as well.

“Both innocuous really, one a landing and two, Daniel’s was a twist. We have had results through from Eboue, his is ACL.

“If it is the case, it will rule them both out which is hugely disappointing for both boys because they have been on the sidelines working through and in the last week they have been given opportunities.”

Striker Steven MacLean returns from suspension as the league leaders face the Hoops for the second time in seven days.

Michael Smith and Demetri Mitchell are expected to brush off minor strains, while Peter Haring will be asked to battle on through a hernia problem.

Steven Naismith has undergone knee surgery after joining long-term absentees Jamie Brandon (knee), Christophe Berra (hamstring), John Souttar (hip) and Uche Ikpeazu (foot) on the sidelines.