Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Celtic will be without Dedryck Boyata for the next handful of games.
Boyata had to be replaced shortly after the hour-mark at Hampden Park in the 1-0 win over Aberdeen, and STV reports that he is now expected to be a doubt for the Old Firm clash with Rangers in the final game before the winter break.
So given that he could potentially be sidelined for the rest of the year, perhaps there is a chance that the Belgian – who cost £1.5 million (via BBC Sport) may have already made his final appearance for the Hoops given speculation surrounding his future.
The Scottish Sun reports that Boyata is out of contract in the summer and is unlikely to sign a new deal at Parkhead. If Celtic want to bag a fee for the centre-back therefore, January could well provide their only opportunity.
And with the Hoops not returning to action until after the halfway point in the window has gone, it may not be out of the question to suggest that Boyata could be sold before they take on Airdrie in the Scottish Cup.
It would be a big blow if Celtic did end up selling Boyata. He has put in some of his most impressive performances this season, and his partnership with Filip Benkovic appears to have the potential to be something special.
But if Boyata makes it clear that he is leaving before next season, then Celtic need to weigh up whether it is worth cashing in in January or keeping him for the business end of the campaign and then losing him for nothing.
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