Images circulating online show Celtic defender Anthony Ralston wearing a protective boot, signaling a potential extended absence for the right-back.

Ralston sustained an injury during the Champions League play-off against Kairat Almaty. He battled through the pain in the subsequent goalless derby against Rangers but was later forced to pull out of Scotland’s World Cup qualifiers.

The visible boot now suggests a recovery period ahead, leaving Celtic short-staffed at a pivotal time in the season.

Manager Brendan Rodgers faces mounting challenges with defensive depth. Fellow right-back Alistair Johnston was stretchered off in the same Kairat Almaty match with a severe hamstring injury, ruling him out for around 12 weeks.

With both senior right-backs sidelined, 19-year-old Colby Donovan steps up as the next option. The promising youngster is set for a series of first-team appearances, providing Rodgers with a timely opportunity to blood new talent amid the turmoil.

Ralston has been a steadfast squad player for Celtic over recent years, often deputizing for Johnston and delivering key contributions in domestic games.

His absence hits hard as the team grapples with a congested calendar of league fixtures and European ties.

While medical assessments continue, the boot is a precautionary measure but commonly points to several weeks on the sidelines. Celtic desperately needs this not to evolve into a prolonged issue, given the already taxing schedule that leaves little room for error.

What was once a robust right-back unit has swiftly turned precarious, forcing tactical adjustments and testing the squad’s resilience.

Supporters are on edge, scanning for any positive updates from Rodgers in the lead-up to Sunday’s trip to Rugby Park against Kilmarnock.

For now, Ralston’s boot stands as yet another troubling sign of the injury frustrations mounting at Celtic Park right when momentum is essential. The club must rally quickly to safeguard their ambitions across multiple fronts.