Big hit: Brown will miss the next 3 months, which all Celtic European qualifiers
Back down: Celtic captain looks livid by injury that has left him out for months
Bad news: Celtic captain Scott Brown suffered a serious hamstring in front of Rapid Vienna
The news is equally daunting for Scotland coach Gordon Strachan, as it is almost certain that the national standard will be sidelined for the first Euro 2016 qualifier against Germany on 7 September.
Brown will face an anti-time race to qualify for a double match against Poland and Georgia the following month.
It’s a blow to the player, but also the last thing Deila needed while trying to make a good impression on Parkhead by guiding the club to the most sensible table in Europe.
“It’s not good news for Scott,” the Norwegian said, speaking after Tuesday’s 5-2 friendly win over LASK Linz. “He’ll be out for two months, three.
“It’s hard for him and it’s hard for us. But there’s nothing we can do about it.
“We want to check it out so that it returns to the box as temporarily as possible. But we have midboxers who can intervene.
“The hamstrings almost ripped off. Scott doesn’t want surgery, which is positive. However, it’s a big injury.”
Substitution: Stefan Johansen hoped to fill the void in Celtic midfield left by Brown
Deila will now have to update Brown at the center of her team as the first leg of her first Champions League qualifying match is fast approaching. Celtic holidays in the Icelandic capital in six days, with a return to Murrayfield a week later.
Stefan Johansen seems sure to take one of two spots in midfield, while Beram Kayal may be the main contender to get into Brown’s boots.
Charlie Mulgrew would also be an option, but it has been used in central defense through Deila.
Nir Biton is on his way to getting in shape after making his first appearance in four months in the friendly win at Linz last night, while young Liam Henderson inspired Deila but lacked experience.
“It’s hard for us and difficult for Scott, but Celtic is a great club and we have a lot of midfielders,” Parkhead’s boss added.
“They’ll have to mobilize and update it with others.”
Unlikely: Celtic manager Deila says he can’t see Del Piero sign for club despite recent rumors
Meanwhile, Deila has rejected the possibility that Italian legend Alessandro del Piero would join Celtic after the 39-year-old would be willing to move.
Del Piero connected with a Parkhead replacement before joining FC Sydney two years ago.
“I can sense why he needs to play for Celtic, but I don’t think it’s going to happen,” Deila said.
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Edited through Associated Newspapers Ltd
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