Celtic face a potential attacking crisis during the crucial festive period because of this year's rescheduled African Cup of Nations.
The tournament is traditionally played over January and February, but this year's Finals will take place in December and January in Morocco.
And Celtic could lose three key attacking players during said period.
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Although born in Norway, deadline day signing Sebastian Tounekti is a Tunisian international. His country has qualified for AFCON, along with DR Congo, to whom Michel-Ange Balikwisha recently switched allegiances.
Additionally, potential free agent acquisition Kelechi Iheanacho is a regular for the Nigerian national team. They are in Group C alongside Tounekti's Tunisia, as well as Uganda and Tanzania.
This year's AFCON runs from December 21, 2025, until January 18, 2026. Celtic could lose three of their key attacking assets for this period, which includes five league matches at home to Aberdeen, Rangers, and Dundee United, as well as away to Livingston and Motherwell.
They will also have a Scottish Cup tie on the weekend of January 17/18, 2026, to contend with.
Brendan Rodgers faces an attacking crisis if all three of Tounekti, Balikwisha, and Iheanacho are called up to play at AFCON.
With Jota not due back from his cruciate ligament injury until at least the new year, Celtic could be left extremely light at the top end of the park from mid-December to mid-January.
