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Celtic star Stuart Armstrong is set for a spell on the sidelines after undergoing a shock hernia operation.

Armstrong went under the knife in Germany yesterday to cure his long-running injury after spending their recent winter break with Brendan Rodgers ' champions in Dubai.

The 25-year-old, who signed a new two-year deal last August to tie him to the Hoops to 2019, has been troubled with the problem in recent weeks so the Parkhead club felt it was best he received surgery during the January lay-off as the Premiership leaders gear up for the second half of the season.

(Image: SNS Group) (Image: SNS Group)

Armstrong, who joined Celtic from Dundee United in 2015, has developed into a real fans' favourite with the Glasgow giants where boss Rodgers has helped him fulfil his real potential in his favoured midfield position having originally joined under the Ronny Deila regime.

He'll miss Celtic's return to domestic action which includes Saturday's Scottish Cup fourth round tie with minnows Brechin, followed by Premiership clashes with Partick Thistle, Hibs and Hearts.

But the Scotland ace could target a return for their forthcoming double-header with Russian cracks Zenit St Petersburg in the last 32 of the Europa League with the first leg scheduled for 15 February in Glasgow, while the return takes place a week later.