Celtic trio miss season kick-off

Artur Boruc was injured in pre-season against Newcastle

Celtic will be without three key players when they kick off the defence of the Scottish title against Kilmarnock on Sunday.

Goalkeeper Artur Boruc will be missing for up to three weeks with a troublesome shoulder injury.

Japan midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura was involved in the Asian Cup this summer and will not report back to Celtic Park until Friday.

And striker Scott McDonald, signed from Motherwell, is suspended for two games.

All three players missed the Sunday's friendly against Parma at Celtic Park, where Aiden McGeady's goal in the 84th minute clinched victory.

If Artur is out then the lads will feel safe with Mark behind them Celtic assistant manager Tommy Burns

Celtic assistant manager Tommy Burns said: "Shunsuke does not come back until Friday and he will need to speak to the manager.

"Artur has got a problem with a joint in his shoulder, which he picked up 10 minutes into the Newcastle game. He could be out for two or three weeks.

"We will do everything that we can to be fit, but we've got to be careful or we could make it worse.

"Scott McDonald is suspended for the first two games of the season. But, whoever comes in, it will be up to them to keep the jersey."

Mark Brown, who has been waiting patiently in the wings since signing from Inverness Caledonian Thistle in January, deputised against the Serie A side and will keep his place for the Kilmarnock match.

The former Rangers and Motherwell keeper is also set to be in goal for the first leg of the Champions League third qualifier, which will be drawn on Friday.

"Mark played well against Parma," added Burns. "He's a good lad and he has conducted himself well.

"If Artur is out then the lads will feel safe with Mark behind them."