Celtic’s frontline depth could be tested severely this winter with the looming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, set to kick off in late December and run into January.

Both of the club’s new wide additions, Michel-Ange Balikwisha (DR Congo) and Sebastian Tounekti (Tunisia), are almost certain to be called up by their respective nations if fit, meaning Brendan Rodgers will be without two of his new attacking outlets during a crucial period of the season.

And if Celtic manage to land Kelechi Iheanacho, who is now a free agent after his Sevilla contract was terminated, the Nigerian striker could also depart for AFCON.

Celtic will play a derby match during AFCON.

With the January window not opening until the new year and no certainty of immediate replacements, Celtic could be left relying on a small group of attackers during the tournament. That includes Daizen Maeda, James Forrest, Hyunjun Yang (whose move to Birmingham fell through), Johnny Kenny, and Shin Yamada — the latter two still largely unproven at the top level.

It adds another layer of pressure on a squad already feeling the effects of an underwhelming transfer window and a fanbase increasingly demanding answers. With key domestic and European fixtures in that window, the coming months may prove defining for Rodgers and his ability to navigate a season already full of turbulence.