Celtic: 25-year-old doubtful against Zenit

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 04: Tom Rogic (2R) warms up with team mates during a Celtic training session on the eve of their UEFA Champions League match against Anderlecht at Lennoxtown Training Ground on December 4, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 04: Tom Rogic (2R) warms up with team mates during a Celtic training session on the eve of their UEFA Champions League match against Anderlecht at Lennoxtown Training Ground on December 4, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Celtic will likely be covered with injuries to start off the Europa League against Zenit. Tom Rogic recently missed his chance of a competitive return from injury that was sustained around two months ago.

Blows to the defense have seen Brendan Rodgers consider the likes of Jack Hendry to start. Hendry, however, has yet to make an appearance in European competition and has only made around 60-to-70 starts in his career.

At the attack, it’s looking like the Celts’ boss is going to have more decisions to make. Moussa Dembele will need some front-line support, and Charly Musonda is now grasping the attention as a member of the starting eleven.

Rogic was set to make the next step in a development game against Motherwell the other day, but that game was postponed due to weather. This season, Rogic has managed to score 4 goals and 7 assists, further proving his value up top.

Nobody really knows what’s set of Rogic at the moment. It should be guessed that he’s close to playing if the Australian is playing in games.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – DECEMBER 02: Tomas Rogic of Celtic shoots at goal during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Motherwell at Celtic Park on December 2, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – DECEMBER 02: Tomas Rogic of Celtic shoots at goal during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Motherwell at Celtic Park on December 2, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Injuries are plaguing the lineup at the moment, and it’s forcing the boss to make some tough decisions around his young core. The Evening Times goes on to note that the form of other players hasn’t helped either.

More from The Celtic Bhoys

"Charly Musonda, who joined the Scottish champions on an 18 month loan from Chelsea during the January transfer window, has only started in two games in Scotland.The Belgian failed to make an impact in the No.10 role in the William Hill Scottish Cup fifth round match against Partick Thistle and was replaced after 65 minutes.Elsewhere, Callum McGregor has struggled to reproduce the form which he showed last season as the Parkhead club won a domestic treble and has been left out of the starting line-up in the last three games."

Nothing looks to be clicking right now for Celtic. Games are won by the Bhoys, but it’s definitely looking more difficult to do than usual. A recent loss to Kilmarnock is embarrassing, while the Hoops barely edged out Partick Thistle in the Scottish Cup. Thanks James Forrest!

Celtic need to do whatever possible to make sure they keep the scoring low in Russia. Attacking threats cover the front of Zenit, which could give the suspects of the Celtic back-line a tough time.

Low-scoring should be expected with such a young forward group. Hopefully those one or two goals go in Celtic’s favor.

Keep up with the news.

Next: Craig Levein just needs to stop

Thoughts on the potential Celtic lineup in Zenit? When will Rogic return? Can he make enough of an impact when returning to propel the Celts to clean victories? Let us know in the comments section below.