Steve Clarke admitted Callum McGregor needs games before the Celtic skipper can be involved for Scotland.
McGregor has been named in Clarke’s squad for World Cup 2022 qualifiers against Israel and Faroe Islands next month.
But the 28-year-old hasn’t featured for the Hoops since the 3-0 win over Ross County at Parkhead on September 11.
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou said it’s and ‘optimistic’ target for the captain to return when they take on Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League on Thursday.
He had hoped McGregor would return from his hamstring problem against Livingston the previous week but that was ruled out and he missed the Dundee United draw on Sunday.
After the visit of the German giants, there is only Sunday’s trip to Pittodrie before the international squad meet up for the vital double header.
McGregor’s former Parkhead team Stuart Armstrong has also been named despite not playing a minute for Southampton this season.
And Clarke conceded: "When you name a squad there is still 11 days until match day so plenty of time, a couple of games.
"Callum is in that situation, Stuart Armstrong is in a similar situation but I am hoping that they will both get some minutes over the next couple of games and be fit and available to join the squad.
"The medical staff have been in constant touch, we know where the players are at and as always we will treat them as well as we can."
