Celtic midfielder Scott Brown may need more time out of the team to recover from a troublesome ankle injury. The 24-year-old underwent surgery on his ankle in the close season and missed the first few games of manager Tony Mowbray's reign.
However, surgery has failed to clear up the problem and Celtic assistant manager Mark Venus admits the Scotland international may also miss the game with Kilmarnock on Saturday.
Venus said: "I haven't seen him for a couple of days. I do know his ankle is very sore.
"I would suggest he isn't fit for selection this weekend either. After that, I'm not sure."
Brown pulled out of Scotland's friendly in Japan earlier this month and with the national team due to face Wales on November 14th, Venus hopes boss George Burley will do the player a favour by leaving him out.
"He's got an international week coming soon so he will get another break, hopefully," said Venus.
"Listen, I think he's got a problem and he needs a rest. It's well-documented.
"For Scotland, for Celtic, for everyone, for the kid, for his performances, I think he has got to get himself fit properly.
"Hopefully, he will take as long as it takes to come out on the pitch next time as the proper Scott Brown."