Charlie Adam believes injury to Kyogo Furuhashi could force Ange Postecoglou to bring Albian Ajeti in from the cold.
The Swiss striker has barely featured for Celtic this season.
Kyogo, meanwhile, has proven to be a revelation since joining from Vissel Kobe in the summer, scoring seven goals in just nine appearances thus far.
But after he picked up a knock on international duty with Japan, former Rangers man Adam fears Celts could potentially be left short up top with their on-form striker unavailable.
And despite the signing of Greek hitman Giorgios Giakoumakis from VVV-Venlo, Adam reckons Ajeti could be handed the opportunity to redeem himself following a slow start to his Celtic career.
"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," Adam told PLZ Soccer.
"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."
On Ajeti's price tag - £5million from West Ham last year - 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."
