Celtic have begun preparations ahead of a long trip to Dingwall on Sunday. The Hoops have been training intensively as ever at Lennoxtown this week despite the absence of numerous first team stars who are on international duty such as captain Callum McGregor, Sead Haksabanovic, Oh and Carl Starfelt.

These players will return to Scotland by the end of the week in order to get ready to face Ross County although it is two key men who weren’t called up by their respective nations this March who appeared to be absent from training.

In the latest edition of ‘Lennoxtown Unfiltered‘ over on Celtic’s official YouTube channel, nor Aaron Mooy or Reo Hatate could be seen taking part in training. Mooy was not in the squad for the visit of Hibs in the final game prior to the international break however did post on Instagram a few days ago a picture of himself and his family enjoying some time inside an empty Celtic Park. Similarly, Hatate was active on Instagram, posting a story as he took in Scotland’s historic 2-0 win over Spain on Tuesday evening. In the aforementioned clash with the Hibees, the Japanese pulled up just 13 minutes in and appeared to be clutching his hamstring as he walked up the tunnel.

The extent of the injuries to both Mooy and Hatate are unknown although one imagines they may not be involved in Sunday’s match due to their lack of presence in first team training. If they don’t play, it will be a significant blow to Celtic because of how sensational the pair have been of late however the Hoops do have strength in depth.

From the YouTube video, there were a few positives to take. Pre international break there were worries over Cameron Carter-Vickers’ fitness although he was front and centre meanwhile Greg Taylor, who had to be withdrawn an hour in against Hibs, was heavily active. Routinely, the likes of Kyogo, Joe Hart and Matt O’Riley were all involved as Celtic geared up preparations for a high stakes run in which starts this weekend.