Celtic facing winter player crisis that could see THREE new signings missing for a month and OUT New Year Rangers game

IT’S always one of the most pivotal parts of the Scottish season.

And Celtic face being without THREE major signings just when the chips are down due to the Africa Cup of Nations.

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The tournament occurs every two years but it could become a major headache for Brendan Rodgers this winter – as the event gets under way in Morocco and runs from December 15 to January 18.

That’s because new boys Sebastian Tounekti and Michel-Ange Balikwisha could both be involved in the tournament.

And that could mean they’re away for a month – with the second Old Firm match of the season falling on January 3 at Celtic Park.

Tounekti has two caps for Tunisia but a move to Celtic and Europa League football for the 23-year-old is likely to press his case for inclusion at the event.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha has been part of Belgium youth squads in his younger years but he recently declared for DR Congo, for whom his brother William already plays.

He was quoted recently as saying: “I’m announcing that I want to represent the country, just as you all expected.

“Congo means a lot to me. Ever since I was a child, I told my parents I wanted to play for Congo.

“And I hope I’ll get to fulfill my dream of playing alongside my brother.”

Balikwisha seems likely to be a big player for DR Congo’s future, and a third member of the Hoops squad could join the pair at the tournament in Morocco if Kelechi Iheanacho joins Celtic as seems possible in the next 24 hours.

Iheanacho has 59 caps for his country with 15 goals and he’s a cert to be included in Nigeria’s squad if he’s getting regular game time at Parkhead.

Co-incidence or not, the tournament comes at a time where Rangers appear to be moving in the opposite direction – with Hamza Igamane, freshly departed for Lille for £10.4m, a likely starter for the hosts at the event.

Cyriel Dessers could join Iheanacho at the event, with Leon Balogun another potential star turn at the event who the Gers have moved on from.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page