Injuries have been a worry for Celtic throughout this season. Even right now, they have plenty of key players missing. The likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota are not even expected to be back in action before the campaign ends. So, the side's struggles should not come as a complete surprise to anybody.

Unfortunately, Celtic's injury problems don't seem to be anywhere. On the contrary, they have now picked up another one that could worry them for the next several weeks.

Arne Engels picked up an injury in the game against Livingston and had to be taken off in the first half. The Belgian midfielder does not always get the credit that he deserves, but his absence is clearly visible on this team.

Engels is someone who can control the game from the middle of the park, and that has been missing in his absence. The bad news, it is going to be a while before we see him back again.

As reported by The Celtic Way, Martin O'Neill said when asked about Engels' injury: "He'll be out to the international window.

"I don't think, unless he does really, really well in recovery, I can't see us having him before that finishes, which would be the end of March."

O'Neill confirmed that it is a thigh issue, not a hamstring one: "It's his thigh, which is every bit as bad in that sense."

Celtic had turned down an offer as much as £25 million for Engels in the winter transfer window. That just goes to show how highly he is rated by the club and the management. So, he will be a real miss for the upcoming weeks.

The only silver lining is that Celtic have signed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as a free agent this month. The former Liverpool and Arsenal man has already made his presence felt for the Hoops, scoring the winner against Livingston in that aforementioned match. One would imagine that he will be getting a decent bit of game time in midfield in the absence of Engels.

As for Engels, the injury has come at the worst time possible. His importance to this team has grown over time, especially under the management of O'Neill. Celtic shelled out a club-record fee to sign him from Augsburg and we are now starting to see why.

We can only wish him the best of luck in his recovery and hope to see him back on the pitch as soon as possible. Get well soon, Arne.

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