CROCKED Erik Sviatchenko is OUT of tomorrow’s crucial confrontation with Motherwell at Fir Park and is facing a race against time for the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden a week on Sunday.
The Danish defender limped off during the goalless draw against Dundee at Dens Park on Tuesday with a thigh strain. He has been informed by medics he will be sidelined for between a week to 10 days following a scan on the damaged muscle.
It has even been suggested the 24-year-old international centre-half might not kick another ball this season.
If that turns out to be the case, boss Ronny Deila will have a major problem to contend with as he prepares his squad for the last six league games of the campaign as the Hoops zero in on a fifth successive title.
And, of course, there is the Cup semi-final and, hopefully, a Cup Final appearance to look forward to over the coming weeks.
The Norwegian would have to rejig his central defence with the likelihood of Charlie Mulgrew partnering Dedryck Boyata.
Efe Ambrose and forgotten man Tyler Blackett, winding down his season-long loan from Manchester United, on stand-by.
Croatian Under-21 international Jozo Simunovic, bought from Dinamo Zagreb for £5million in the summer, has already been told his season is over after undergoing surgery on his knee problem in London a fortnight ago.
Mikael Lustig was also injured in the draw on Tayside and Deila may have to bring back Ambrose to the right-back position.
Saidy Janko, bought for £1million from Manchester United in July, hasn’t figured since October as he has battled injury and he is unlikely to be risked.
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