Ange Postecoglou admits Kyogo Furuhashi's injury sustained against Real Betis is "not good" as the Celtic boss battles more fitness woes.
The Hoops saw off Real Betis 3-2 to end their Europa League campaign on a high with Stephen Welsh, Ewan Henderson and David Turnbull netting in a second string that was on tune against the La Liga side.
But amid the joy there was anxiety as the star striker was injured after coming on himself for troubled Albian Ajeti.
The Swiss striker pulled up with a hamstring problem and with Giorgos Giakoumakis also out the manager had little choice but to throw on the star man who ideally would have been wrapped in cotton wool ahead of a busy festive period and a Premier Sports Cup Final.
Asked on BT Sport what the verdict was, he said: "We'll see. Yeah... it's not good.
"We'll wait and see what the assessment is, obviously I would have preferred to give Kyogo a bit less time tonight.
"And also with Albian getting a hamstring, we're going through a rough trough which never seems to end. But we'll cope.
"We've had a few injuries but the amount of games we're playing is ridiculous to be fair.
"We don't have the squad to cope with it at the moment and luckily tonight we got some 90 minutes into guys that will help us moving forward."
The boss handed plenty of game time to fringe stars such as Ismaila Soro, Osaze Urhoghide and Liam Shaw and the second string impressed in the main.
Ewan Henderson's goal seconds after replacing Kyogo was a particular bright spot and with more injuries mounting up getting minutes in some neglected legs was key.
Postecoglou said: "We went at them, had to fight hard at times.
"I'm pleased for the players, they got the rewards for their efforts.
"Especially the boys who started and haven't played for a while. Physically, particularly in the way we play our football, it's not easy.
"As I said to them after the game, that's why they work hard every day."
Postecoglou wasn't interested in addressing the 'silent protest' around Parkhead regarding a potential appointment of Bernard Higgins as he insisted he still felt the fans' energy.
"I don't think the fans are not onside," he added. "They're supporting us as they always do.
"I'd prefer it was as loud as it could possibly be because I think that's great for our players, it's great for the support and that's why they come to the game, to get off their seats, sing a few songs and hopefully enjoy the victory."
