Ange Postecoglou says Saturday's Premier Sports Cup semi-final will come too soon for Giorgos Giakoumakis while Carl Starfelt and Tom Rogic will also miss out.
Celtic return from the international break on Saturday and face St Johnstone at Hampden looking to set up a final with either Rangers or Hibs.
Saints are cup heavyweights these days after winning the double last season and will be hopeful of booking a third straight final against Ange Postecoglou 's team.
Particularly now the Australian has confirmed three players will miss out.
Giakoumakis has had a slow start to life at Parkhead and has been struggling with a knee injury during the break.
Defender Starfelt and midfielder Rogic are also struggling and Postecoglou confirmed at his pre-match press conference that the trio will sit out the Hampden clash.
They could return to face Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday but none of the three are likely to be fit in time to make the squad on Saturday afternoon.
