Hoops boss ready to recall injured five

meant their city rivals, who have played a game more than them, later moved a point ahead when they beat Hamilton at Ibrox.

But with Dedryck Boyata, Ryan Christie, Mikael Lustig, Tom Rogic and Kieran Tierney all sitting out of the 2-0 loss to Neil Lennon’s side at Easter Road, Celtic will be bolstered when they resume league duty this week.

Rodgers revealed the league game against Motherwell at Parkhead tomorrow evening and even the home game with Dundee on Saturday may come too soon for the injured quintet.

But he is optimistic that Boyata, Christie, Lustig, Rogic and Tierney will come into contention for the trips to Aberdeen on Boxing Day and then Rangers four days later.

“Dedryck has been out on the pitch so we will see where he is at towards the weekend,” said Rodgers.

“Ryan has been out jogging so we will see where he is. He came off on a stretcher, but that was more about the medical team protecting his ankle because he couldn’t put any weight on it. He has recovered well and he is very determined to try to get back out there, which is great.

“Mikael? We will wait and see. Again, it could be the weekend. Tom may be the weekend. At the latest, he will be available for Aberdeen. Kieran? we will see.

“Thankfully, Dedryck’s injury was only a slight, grade one hamstring. He’s moving well outside, so we will see where he is at.”