Brendan Rodgers' international break prediction is music to the ears of Celtic fans

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is hoping the international break will provide a much-needed respite for his injury-ridden defence.

Several of Rodgers' first-choice defenders are currently dealing with injuries.

Centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers, who has been sidelined for four games due to a toe injury, is expected to make a comeback in the William Hill Premiership top-of-the-table showdown against Aberdeen on October 19.

Left-back Greg Taylor was absent from Sunday's 2-1 victory over Ross County due to a calf issue and will also miss Scotland's Nations League matches against Croatia and Portugal.

Alistair Johnston, despite contributing a goal and an assist in Dingwall, will not be returning to Canada for a friendly match against Panama due to recent back problems.

"Ali won't go with the international team, so that gives us a chance to recover him, because he's been working very well," said Rodgers.

"Cam will be joining training later on in this week and then have a good week leading into Aberdeen. So that's good.

"As for Greg, we'll just have to wait and see. But I thought young Alex Valle did well (against Ross County). Especially in the second half, his positioning improved.

"But we hope Greg will be back, if not for Aberdeen, then not long after that."

Before hosting the Dons, Celtic will play a friendly match against Sligo Rovers in the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday.

"I'll be there," confirmed Rodgers. "I'll be taking the team. That plan was in place a few months back.

"Obviously we'll need to recover some players. But there's going to be a number of players that need games. So it will be a mixture of our first-team players in the squad and also some of our young players, because it's my chance to see them.

"But yes, we'll go over there, always great to go back home. And then we'll prepare them for Aberdeen."