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Brendan Rodgers reckoned Celtic looked more like a Range Rover Sport than a Honda Civic against Sturm Graz. But he'll need some spare parts fitted for the journey to Tynecastle on Sunday. A top-of-the-table clash with Hearts is arguably the game of the weekend in Britain, with the Jambos sniffing a chance to go eight points clear. And it will be an injury-hit Celtic they face in the noon kick-off. Just three minutes into Thursday's Europa League clash with the Austrian champions, Kelechi Iheanacho was forced off with a hamstring injury. It got worse when Alistair Johnston joined him in the dressing room before the first half was out. His return to action was cut short by the same issue, and both are almost certain to miss the capital clash with Derek McInnes' Jambos. Just when that looked to be the extent of the damage, Cameron Carter-Vickers needed treatment right on full-time. And it turned out to be the most serious of the lot with the American international now ruled out for up to five months with an Achilles problem. Johnny Kenny will lead the line in Iheanacho's absence, while either Anthony Ralston or youngster Colby Donovan will deputise at right back. But Rodgers faces a big call at centre back. He's missing his main man against the Premiership's top scorers, whose front three of Alexandros Kyziridis, Lawrence Shankland and Claudio Braga have looked devastating this season. Record Sport looks at the options available to Rodgers. Scales has established himself as first pick alongside Carter-Vickers, which is some rise considering he looked destined for a swift Parkhead exit in 2021 before Ange Postecoglou arrived. He was on the scoresheet against Sturm Graz and will find himself as the senior partner at centre back on Sunday. Bringing in a defender you signed for £6million is a luxury no other team in the league can afford, although CCV's fellow American hasn't started since the 4-1 Premier Sports Cup win over Falkirk back in August due to a troublesome foot issue. His last appearnce of any kind was the first leg stalemate against Kairat Almaty. On paper, Celtic fans may point to this centre back pairing going into a top of the table clash as a damning indictment on the recruitment, or lack of, undertaken by the club. And not just over the summer. However, of the options available to Rodgers, it's probably the best one. Murray looked good in pre-season but has played almost as little football as Trusty this term. He too got a run out against the Bairns, then 90 minutes against Livingston before one half in the fateful Champions League playoff second leg against Kairat Almaty. His last outing was the 2-0 home defeat to Braga, so his recent record isn't good, although perhaps less of a fitness risk than Trusty right now.
