By Alan Hutton

14th Sep, 2023 | 1:00pm

Celtic have already replaced Maik Nawrocki after confirmed news - pundit

Celtic have already replaced centre-back Maik Nawrocki ahead of their crucial Champions League opener.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Rangers defender Alan Hutton was not surprised to see Nawrocki left out of the Hoops’ squad for their upcoming European games and suggested Nat Phillips was brought in as his replacement.

UEFA have revealed the Celts’ squad for their upcoming group stage fixtures with summer arrival Nawrocki not included in the 25-man shortlist.

The 22-year-old joined the Hoops earlier this summer from Polish side Legia Warsaw and put pen to paper on a five-year deal with the Scottish Champions.

The centre-back has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since the end of August and is unlikely to return to the side until the beginning of October at the earliest.

When asked if the injury problem is the reason for Nawrocki’s absence from the squad, Hutton told Football Insider: “I would have thought it will be an injury.

“He has only just come to the club and I think he has looked decent when he has played. Unfortunately he has picked up a knock so I think that is why he will be left out.

“[Cameron] Carter-Vickers is back out on the grass but is still a few weeks away. He is their main centre-half so they want to give him that opportunity to be fit and play so I understand that.

“Some of the other injuries may take a little bit longer and there is not much point throwing them in there to take up a place if you do not need to.

“They have signed Phillips and he is in the squad and you would think he will be a starter.

“They have got cover there and extra bodies so I do not see it being a massive problem and when everybody is fit they will be strong defensively.“

In other news, Fleetwood Town line up approach after Celtic legend axed.