Reo Hatate has been out injured for Celtic since the 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid in October.
The Japan international suffered a hamstring injury in the Champions League clash which has ruled him out of action until the New Year.
And Parkhead boss Brendan Rodgers has provided an update on the midfielder's condition.
He said: "[Hatate] is starting to move. We allowed Reo to go back to Japan to get some work in there as he was at the early stages but he has worked really hard there.
"He returns later this week which will be great and then we will assess him once he is back."
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Rodgers also explained why Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke have not been included in recent Celtic squads despite being fit.
The former has not featured for the Scottish champions since August, when he sustained a hamstring injury during the League Cup defeat to Kilmarnock.
While Lagerbielke last played competitively against Livingston in September.
Rodgers said: "It's always personality. There are clearly players ahead of them. What always ticks my attention is training, I'm out there every day watching training and when I see players train and work with that personality they will edge closer to my thinking.
"Unfortunately, for Maik and Gustaf, Scales has come to the team and has really taken his opportunity.
"Nat Phillips has been a great positive influence. It's an area of the team you don't want to change too much."
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