Charlie Adam reckons a long-term injury to Kyogo Furuhashi would force Celtic to bring in forgotten man Albian Ajeti.
The Japan cap has quickly made himself an icon of the Ange Postecoglou era at Celtic, scoring seven goals in his first nine appearances.
After limping off while on international duty with a knee injury, there is now huge doubts over his fitness.
Dundee skipper Adam told the PLZ Football Show this could offer a chance for Swiss outcast Ajeti.
The 24-year-old endured a tough debut campaign in the Premiership after his £5million move last summer, and is yet to receive a competitive start from Australian Postecoglou.
But Adam reckons that could all be about to change amid fears over Kyogo: "When any player goes off injured in the international games you worry, and now he has got to travel back a long way from Japan.
" Celtic will be hoping he comes back and it's not too serious, but if they had to lose him for a bit then it would be a blow, but they have got Ajeti coming in."
When fellow panelist Tam McManus questioned if he still though the Swiss striker would come good, Adam added: "I said last season for £5million that it was a gamble, and it never worked last season.
"Edouard is out the door now, and that's a big blow because he's a top player, but his heart wasn't in that.
"Ange has got to find a way to fit them all in the system, but Kyogo missing will be a blow."
