Rangers are set to be handed a massive boost after the winter break with Filip Helander ready to return to training at Auchenhowie.
The Premiership champions stood in opposition to moving the winter break, which will now begin after the Boxing Day games.
The adjusted schedule could see them down to the bare bones in defence, with Leon Balogun and Calvin Bassey heading to the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria.
Depending on how far the Super Eagles go in the competition, it could leave boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst with a massive headache for the Celtic game on February 2.
But the Dutchman has revealed that long-term absentee Helander has been back on the training pitch in recent weeks – and could be ready to join up with the rest of the squad after the festive period.
Van Bronckhorst said: "Filip has been back individually for a couple of weeks.
"Hopefully, after the break, he can join up with the group for training sessions."
The new calendar could still give Rangers a problem, with Joe Aribo also going away with Nigeria and Kemar Roofe likely to be called by Jamaica.
But while he'd prefer to have his stars available, van Bronckhorst is philosophical on the issue.
He continued: "You always want all of your players available but you also know the International calendar – we have to handle the situation when it comes around."
