Martin O'Neill could be left with a selection headache ahead of Monday's Scottish cup tie with Aberdeen should Celtic choose not to appeal against the suspension handed down to Bobo Balde at the SFA's offices today.
With Joos Valgaeren already injured the Celtic defence could take on a makeshift look with both Chris Sutton and Stephen Crainey drafted in to fill the gaps.
O'Neill is bound to be upset at the suspension handed out to Balde - given that Celtic had already fined the player two weeks wages.
The Aberdeen cup tie and the Rangers league game represent the two most important domestic games of the season so far for Celtic and O'Neill would much have preferred to have his defence at full strength for what will be two stern tests.
If Celtic choose to appeal Balde would be able to play in both games and have another hearing later in the season. Although this would be seen as playing the system to a certain extent the Celtic boss may be forced down this road given the shortage of adequate defensive cover.