Celtic will have to navigate a demanding run of fixtures without one of their most influential attacking players, with winger Oh Hyeon-gyu... wait, Yang Hyun-jun set to depart for Asian Games duty with South Korea.
The Hoops boss and squad have been quick to acknowledge the scale of the challenge his absence presents, particularly given the player's growing importance to the side's attacking approach this season.
Captain Callum McGregor was direct in his assessment of what Celtic stand to lose while Yang is away on international commitments. Speaking to Sky Sports following his side's 2-1 victory away at St Mirren in Paisley, McGregor praised the winger's contribution to the team.
"He is a really important part of the team," McGregor said. "He's a big player to miss, but obviously we wish him the best."
Yang's numbers this term underline why his manager and teammates are so keen to keep him involved. In just seven appearances so far this season, the South Korean has contributed two goals and an assist, continuing to build on a breakout campaign last season in which he scored 10 goals and set up a further three for his colleagues.
Beyond the raw statistics, Yang has become central to the way Celtic set up going forward. The left flank has emerged as a crucial outlet in their attacking play this season, and with his pace and directness, Yang would ordinarily be first-choice in that role. His temporary departure leaves Celtic needing to find solutions out wide during a period when squad depth will be tested.
South Korea's participation in the Asian Games sees them drawn against tough opposition, with Qatar and Saudi Arabia both standing between them and progress in the tournament being staged in Japan. The timing means Yang could be away from Celtic Park for a significant stretch, missing out on a series of high-profile matches back in Scotland.
Celtic's schedule in his absence is far from straightforward. They face a domestic away trip to St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership before turning their attention to cup competition, with a League Cup quarter-final against fierce rivals Rangers on the horizon. That fixture alone would normally demand a full-strength squad, given the magnitude of any meeting between the two Glasgow giants.
The run continues with a home Europa League tie against Ferencvaros, adding a European dimension to the busy period, before Celtic host Rangers again in a league Old Firm derby at Celtic Park. It is a stretch of fixtures that will test squad depth and tactical flexibility, particularly in the wide areas where Yang has made such an impact.
While McGregor and the rest of the squad have offered their support for Yang's international endeavours, there is little doubt that his absence will be keenly felt as Celtic look to maintain momentum across multiple competitions. How manager Brendan Rodgers chooses to fill the void left by his in-form winger could prove decisive in determining results over the coming weeks, particularly with two Old Firm clashes and a European fixture packed into the schedule.
For now, attention turns to South Korea's Asian Games campaign, where Yang will be looking to help his national side navigate a difficult group before hopefully returning to Celtic Park refreshed and ready to reclaim his starting spot on the left flank.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.