Martin O'Neill has confirmed Arne Engels is set to miss at least a month through a thigh strain.
The Celtic manager revealed he does not expect Engels to return any time before the international break at the end of March.
The midfielder was forced off after just 32 minutes in the Scottish Premiership victory over Livingston on Wednesday night.
O'Neill has now stated the playmaker is set to miss at least six weeks, with a return not expected before the international break next month.
It means Engels is set to be sidelined for NINE Celtic matches in that period, including two fixtures against Rangers in the Scottish Cup and Scottish Premiership.
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It would also see Engels out of action for both legs of the Europa League knockout round ties against VfB Stuttgart.
Celtic also play Kilmarnock, Hibs, Aberdeen and Motherwell before the international break.
Asked for an update on Engels on Sky Sports, he said: "I can't see him being back before the international window which will be at the end of March."
On BBC Sportsound, O'Neill said: "Engels is going to be out for a number of weeks. It's a thigh strain."
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