Griffiths undergoing ‘extensive treatment’

Leigh Griffiths is undergoing “extensive treatment” to be fit for Celtic’s Champions League tie with Rosenborg in Norway next week, according to manager Brendan Rodgers.

The Hoops striker was suspended for the goalless first leg of the third qualifier at Parkhead on Wednesday night, but would have been ruled out anyway with a calf injury.

Celtic’s only other recognised centre forward, Moussa Dembele, is out until at least September with a recurring hamstring complaint.

Rodgers played midfielder Tom Rogic further forward to no avail against the Eliteserie leaders and the Hoops boss now faces a wait to see if Griffiths and defender Erik Sviatchenko, who missed out with a groin complaint, will be back for the return game in Trondheim.

Ahead of a friendly at Sunderland today, where representatives of Celtic will make a £10,000 donation to the Bradley Lowery Foundation, Rodgers said: “We have to wait over the course of the weekend to see his reaction to his work outside. The same with Erik Sviatchenko. His scan was good so hopefully he will be fine too.

“It is not rest (for Griffiths). It is a lot of extensive treatment on trying to get him fit, out on the field and seeing how his loading is to see if he is going to be fit to play.”

Rodgers revealed his reasoning behind not adding a third quality centre-forward to his squad, but admits he may have to reconsider.

The Northern Irishman said: “With all due respect to Scottish football, you can’t have three top strikers.

“You are not playing in the Premier League or a real competitive league.

“It is equally as tough (here) but in a different way.

“You cannot bring in another top striker because the dynamic wouldn’t work within the group, within the model of how we play, it is not going to suit us.”

Picture: Getty. Leigh Griffiths is fighting back from a calf injury.