Celtic pair out for another two months

Celtic boss Tony Mowbray has confirmed Shaun Maloney and Scott Brown face another two months on the sidelines.

Maloney has been out of action since coming off at half-time during the 1-0 league cup loss against Hearts on October 28. He has been suffering from tendonitis in his Achilles and has been told the only solution is not playing.

Scott Brown requires another operation on his ankle, an injury he has been suffering from since before his last appearance for Celtic, which was the 1-0 Europa League loss against Hamburg on October 22.

Mowbray was quoted by STV Sport as saying: "(Brown will) see a specialist next week. He will have a minor procedure which we hope will solve his ankle problem. I think he will be out for six to eight weeks.Shaun needs rest. Again it's going to be six to eight weeks. That's the advice of the medics."

January could prove to be a difficult month for Celtic and there's a chance (for those positive about transfers) that these injuries will force Mowbray's/the board's hand in the transfer window. With Landry N'Guemo heading for the African Nations Cup in the New Year, the squad will be light.

Recently-named Asian Young Player of the Year Ki Sung-Yong will move to Parkhead in January but is still waiting on a work permit. Assuming his papers go through, it's only reasonable to expect the 20-year-old to take a while to settle - thrusting him straight into the starting XI could do more harm than good.

In better, albeit non-midfield-related, news, Honduras international defender Osman Chavez has had his trial at Celtic extended. If the club decide to make a move, it has been rumoured the deal will be a six-month loan with the option of making the signing permanent at the end of the season.

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