Celtic vs Aberdeen injury news: 3 out and 3 returning stars ahead of powderkeg Hampden semi-final showdown

Celtic and Aberdeen have both made hugely impressive starts to the season and just a fortnight on from their thrilling 2-2 Premiership draw, the two sides renew acquaintances at Hampden Park on Saturday with a place in the Premier Sports Cup final up for grabs.

Brendan Rodgers’ side, who currently sit top of the league table on goal different, head into the first of two semi-final ties this weekend as narrow favourites against the Dons who has finished runners-up in the competition on 10 previous occasions, most recently losing 1-0 to Rangers in last season’s final.

The Hoops eventually overcame Championship leaders Falkirk 5-2 in the previous round, while the Pittodrie outfit breezed through the group stage of the tournament back in July before defeating Queen’s Park 1-0 in the last-16 and thumping League Two minnows Spartans 4-0 in the quarter-finals last month.

Under Scandinavian boss Jimmy Thelin, Aberdeen continue to exceed expectations after securing a domestic victory over Rangers in midweek, a result which kept them locked on 28 points with the reigning champions at the summit.

As we approach Saturday’s eagerly-anticipated cup clash, we’ve rounded up the latest fitness and absence updates for both Celtic and Aberdeen. There are three players returning for Celtic in Callum McGregor, Adam Idah and Nicolas Kuhn.

Pape Habib Gueye (Aberdeen) - OUT

The Dons top scorer suffered a muscle issue in training and is expected to be out for 12-14 weeks.

Dante Polvara (Aberdeen) - OUT

American midfielder is on course to return to action in the coming weeks as he continues his recovery from hamstring tear. Will hope to play a part in the final, should Aberdeen get there.

A calf issue keeps the Norwegian midfielder out of this.