Celtic have been feeling the impact of a succession of unfortunate injuries of late.

Ange Postecoglou's side lost Carl Starfelt against Rangers after the Swede had not long returned from a spell on the sidelines.

Then it was announced on the eve of the match against St Mirren that his defensive partner Cameron Carter-Vickers was to be out for between three and six weeks.

The injury has not been confirmed, but the manager confirmed the American had 'pulled up sore.' The good news, given his immense importance as defensive leader, is that the American national team branded the issue "minor".

Another blow came when Steve Clarke commented after his side's 3-0 victory against Ukraine that David Turnbull would be withdrawing from the Scotland squad after being unable to recover from an "ankle injury".

And while these three players are out, it does present an opportunity for those who have been on the fringes.

Here are the men who can fill the void left by the injured trio.

Moritz Jenz

The easy-on-the-eye centre-back has been involved regularly since joining on loan from FC Lorient.

However, most fans would expect when both Carter-Vickers and Starfelt are fit, they would be the first choice partnership. With both currently out, though, the 23-year-old will continue to get a run in the team for the foreseeable future. This gives him an opportunity to stake a claim for a first-team jersey when everyone is available.

While he may have struggled during the defeat in Paisley, he has shown positive attributes that Postecoglou can surely work with, not least his comfort on the ball. He was calm in playing the ball out from the back under significant pressure against Real Madrid, and if that's not a sign of class then I don't know what is.

While not the finished article, there's every reason to believe Jenz is capable of executing the manager's vision to a high standard.

Stephen Welsh

The talented academy product will also be given the opportunity to maintain a regular starting place going forward in the Parkhead team. This, like Jenz, is also out of necessity due to the injury crisis at the back.

He has played at times this season but not with any consistency, a key demand for any top centre-half to be at his best. That looks a while away based on his current development, and with full internationals ahead of him in the first-team queue, he is clearly defined as a backup option.

When given minutes, he has endured mixed fortunes and he was another who struggled against the Buddies' rough and tumble approach, unsettled by the physicality of Curtis Main.

However, an extended run in the team gives him the opportunity to develop his game and iron out the kinks which may be the best answer to allow this talented kid to truly flourish.

Oliver Abildgaard

This may be the option that excites Celtic fans the most given glimpses of the new signing have been sporadic. 

The big Dane will likely come into the number six position before long, allowing Callum McGregor either a well-earned rest or to move forward and fill the role of a number eight in the absence of Turnbull.

Reo Hatate and Matt O'Riley seem likely to start for Postecoglou's side in most matches, with McGregor, arguably the best player in the country left to dictate the flow of games from the base of midfield.

The Rubin Kazan loanee can offer a tactical alternative to the captain for certain games given his more rounded defensive game and physicality.

His speciality is breaking up counter-attacks, but he is a tidy player as well and having both these traits will make him a real asset during tricky upcoming matches as Postecoglou looks to guide the club to the near £15m cash boost on offer from making the Champions League last 16.