Scott Brown could be out of action for up to three months after a scan showed his hamstring 'was almost ripped off' during Sunday's friendly against Rapid Vienna. The Celtic and Scotland captain has to be stretchered off after just 60 seconds of the 1-1 draw and scans on the injury have confirmed the club's worst fears.
Following their 5-2 pre-season friendly win over Lask Linz in Austria, manager Ronny Deila said: "It is not positive news for Scott. He will be out for two months, maybe three. That's hard for him and it's hard for us. But we can't do anything about it. We have to try to get him back on the pitch as quick as possible. The hamstring has been almost ripped off. Scott doesn't need an operation, which is a positive thing. However, it is quite a big injury."
However, Deila has no immediate plans to rush into the transfer market for a replacement. he insists that he has been impressed by the players who have stepped up in Brown's absence as Celtic remain unbeaten during their pre-season tour of Austria. Beram Kayal and Liam Henderson have shone during their time on the field while defender Charlie Mulgrew is also comfortable in the middle of the park. "We have good midfielders who can step up while Scott is out," said Deila.