Celtic captain Scott Brown has backed his team-mates for a quick return to form - with or without him.
The Hoops midfielder is currently recovering from a metatarsal problem, which has kept him sidelined since the start of October. He was forced to look on as the Hoops were held to back-to-back draws by both Dundee United and Inverness in their last two games.
But Brown is not worried by their recent form, insisting: "I've got to take my time and make sure I come back right but the lads will bounce back. We've got a lot of character in the squad so I've no doubt they will bounce back."
He added: "We went 2-0 up last week and then lost two slack goals but it doesn't happen a lot so I'm sure the lads will make things right next week."
Brown revealed he will see a specialist on Monday but insists he will not rush his comeback from injury.
The 25-year-old is hoping to be back in action soon but refused to put a definite date on any potential return - however he did admit he was hoping to be involved in the Old Firm derby on January 2.
"Hopefully I'm not too far away," said Brown.
"I'll go down to see a specialist on Monday and we will take it from there.
"I'm still not too sure yet when I'll be back, I will need to wait and see what the specialist says.
"The main thing is that I need to take my time and make sure everything is perfect so that I can hopefully come back 100%."
Source: PA
