‘Can’t do it’: Six Hearts man now set to miss Celtic clash as Steven Naismith shares injury nightmare 

Can’t do it’: Six Hearts man now set to miss Celtic clash as Steven Naismith shares injury nightmare

Brendan Rodgers and Celtic face a trip to Tynecastle this weekend, which has traditionally been a difficult negotiation for the Hoops.

Hearts always seem to improve against Celtic, but it looks like they will have to push a little harder this weekend as manager Steven Naismith has shared an injury update that should make Celtic’s task of taking all three points easier.

Why the 2030 World Cup is already done… Naismith said [Daily Record edition page 54]: “Kingsley will not make it this week and probably not next week.

“It was a groin problem and the scan showed it was a strain. The matter was resolved in the last week. Even if he returns next week out of training, the game at Ibrox could come too soon.

“Alex and Yutaro are available this weekend.

“Craig Halkett is busy, but still some way off.

“He and Craig Gordon need practice as well as jump plays and they will build from there.”

Hearts are already without Craig Halkett, Barrie McKay and Nathaniel Atkinson through injury.

‘We’ve heard the same thing’: Celtic legend John Hartson rules out what he’s now hearing about Rangers

Indeed, Celtic have had their own injury problems this season. With almost the entire back line missing at the start of the season, Brendan Rodgers yesterday spoke of how his best players are now returning from the treatment table.

With Maik Nawrocki back in training and Cameron Carter-Vickers now fit, there is now competition for a place at the heart of Celtic’s defence.

Liel Abada and Stephen Welsh returning in December will only help bolster Brendan Rodgers’ options and let us look really healthy for what has traditionally been a tough season to negotiate.

Like many Celtic supporters, I expect to see Celtic back in action this weekend and continue to strengthen their lead at the top of the table. In other news, Celtic have now been linked with a shock move for the 24-year-old in January, with Postecoglou saying he is “unbelievable”.