Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Celtic will head to Dingwall with significant doubts over their wide options for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off against Ross County.

Brendan Rodgers Celtic
Soccer Football – Scottish League Cup – Final – Celtic v Rangers – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – December 15, 2024 Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers celebrates after winning the League Cup Action Images via Reuters/Ed Sykes

Nicolas Kuhn, who missed Wednesday’s match after an injury in the warm-up, remains a doubt, while Daizen Maeda is also facing a race against time to be fit. Luis Palma is unavailable after the Honduran winger shared the heartbreaking news of his grandfather’s passing. Brendan Rodgers confirmed this live on Sky Sports.

This leaves Celtic with only one fit senior winger, South Korean Hyun-jun Yang, as James Forrest is already sidelined until February.

The injury and availability crisis has left Rodgers with limited choices for his team selection.

McCowan has experience playing on the wing from his time at Ayr United and showed glimpses of versatility during his cameo on the flank against Dundee United. Rodgers may deploy him as a makeshift winger to keep the current system intact.

With Adam Idah and Kyogo Furuhashi both fit, Rodgers could consider playing a two-striker formation. This would ease the pressure on the wings and allow Celtic to exploit Ross County’s backline with direct play.

Kyogo’s versatility could see him start on the wing, offering pace and creativity. This would allow Idah to lead the line as the central striker.

The Celtic boss will need to balance the squad carefully with crucial games on the horizon, including Champions League ties and a packed domestic schedule. Saturday’s match offers an opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table, but it won’t be straightforward without key players in attack.

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