Celtic have already suffered their fair share of defensive injuries in 2017 but it seems their woes at the back will continue past this international break after it was revealed duo Jozo Simunovic had picked up a hamstring injury that prevented him from taking part in Bosnia & Herzegovina matches.

With absolutely massive games on the horizon for the Hoops both domestically and European competition, these injuries have come at an especially inconvenient time. This month, not only do they have a double header with Bayern Munich, they also have a big Scottish League Cup semi-final at Hampden against Hibs and a crucial top of the table Scottish Premiership clash with Aberdeen.

It means that Brendan Rodgers will have to find solutions in the defensive line swiftly, ideally to be played against Dundee next weekend to give them time to build up an understanding ahead of that match against the German giants.

What are his options? Here are THREE potential looks for the Celtic defence in the absence of Simunovic...

A back three of Lustig, Boyata and Tierney

A back three is something that Brendan Rodgers has experimented with multiple times in domestic football so far this season and it's mostly worked. Perhaps the strangest aspect of it though is that it's usually featured two natural full-backs, with Mikael Lustig and Kieran Tierney both dropping in to play either of a central defender.

This has freed up another attacking option at the other end of the pitch and while it was a formation that the Hoops looked uncomfortable with last season, this term it seems to have finally clicked.

With Dedryck Boyata they would have a solid anchor who is looking in top form since his recent return from injury, putting in supreme performances against Rangers and Anderlecht.

The downside of using this defensive line is that it constrains the best attacking attributes of Tierney, who looks most impressive when in the opposition half on the left flank. He has shown proficiency as a centre-back though, so there are no question marks there, at least domestically.

Against Bayern Munich though? This option could leave them exposed, especially away from home.

Bring Nir Bitton back into the defence

Another emergency option would be bringing Nir Bitton back into the starting eleven as a central defender. The Israeli midfielder has been utilised in this role more often than not this season thanks to prior injuries to Dedryck Boyata and Jozo Simunovic. Brendan Rodgers has shown no hesitation previously.

It isn't ideal though and should only be used as a last resort. While Bitton is very comfortable on the ball and provides excellent ability to play the ball out from the back and kickstart Celtic's possession game, his defensive positioning in particular has left a lot to be desired.

That was most apparent away to Astana in the UEFA Champions League when the Hoops lost four goals and threatened to throw away their first leg advantage.

Fans wouldn't exactly be happy to see him start in German against Bayern Munich but with the lack of other options, it could be the best one.

Give another chance to Kristoffer Ajer

Soccer Football - Inter Milan v Celtic - International Champions Cup - Thomond Park, Limerick, Ireland - 13/8/16 
Celtic's Kristoffer Ajer 
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If all else fails, and Celtic can't get either Jozo Simunovic or Erik Sviatchenko fit in time, Brendan Rodgers can turn to one of his defensive prospects in Kristoffer Ajer. The Norwegian U21 international was actually a midfielder before Rodgers arrived at the club, but at some point last season it was decided his development would continue as a central defender and he was sent out on loan to get experience in the position at Kilmarnock.

In the midst of their summer injury crisis, Ajer was brought into the starting eleven on four occasions, helping keep three clean sheets. However, he hasn't been seen since that night in Kazakhstan against Astana, with Rodgers putting him back into the background to continue to develop.

With injuries mounting up again though will we see a return of the Norwegian? He hasn't done too much wrong so far and fans would probably prefer to see investment in youth rather than turning to options like Nir Bitton.