It was a victory but not without cost.

The immediate loss of Leigh Griffiths – not necessarily at top form but two goals in his last two outings suggested a move in that direction – is problematic, while the seriousness of Craig Gordon’s injury was not lost either.

The Scotland internationalist took the full force of Efe Ambrose as he came out for a ball and the ripples of concern when it became clear that the damage was to the same knee that almost ended his career were palpable.

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Griffiths’ situation, however, would appear to offer some clarity on Moussa Dembele as the transfer window nears its conclusion. Celtic’s position on the French striker’s position at the club has shifted throughout the past few weeks but Brendan Rodgers’ assertion last week that the player would not be sold would appear all but certain now.

With Griffiths out and the jury still out on Odsonne Edouard, it is unlikely that Celtic would leave themselves so short up front with the forthcoming Europa League tie against Zenit St Petersburg on the horizon.

And while it might cool the chat around Dembele until Wednesday night’s deadline, it will also ensure something of a rush now as Celtic look to bring in another stopper. With Conor Hazard off on loan it leaves only Dorus de Vries available inevitably meaning that there will be business done to bring in another goalkeeper.

A keeper is not the only target. Celtic will also look to strengthen with Rodgers maintaining that he wants to add quality in order to come out of the window in a better place than when he went in.

A few weeks ago the Celtic manager spoke of the January transfer window being the most important one given that it prepares the way for the Champions League qualifiers, of which there are four rounds for Celtic to negotiate this summer should they wish to land the bumper pay packet of group participation for the third successive year.

Read more: Olivier Ntcham: Moussa Dembele's focus has stayed strong - he can help Celtic cope with loss of Leigh Griffiths​

But way before that is given consideration, there is an immediate lift required. They got there against Hibs with Griffiths’ goal, an angled strike after Kieran Tierney’s lopping cross was misjudged by Paul Hanlon.

Griffiths was muted in his celebrations, holding two hands up in quiet apology to the Hibs support before accepting the congratulations of his team-mates. His afternoon took a dive for the worse just four minutes later when he pulled up out of nothing.

Punching the pitch in frustration, there was an immediate realisation that the problematic calf had gone again. “It has been a bit of an ongoing issue at times, said Rodgers after the game.

“ It is frustrating for us and frustrating for him. Like I said last week he was ready to start and then he had a problem with his ankle and couldn’t start against Brechin. He comes back and does really well against Partick and get the winner. He starts [against Hibs] and gets the winner and has obviously got injured so it is unfortunate.”

It also leaves Celtic short on options.

Dembele replaced Griffiths and played for just over an hour but given the lack of game time over the last month he looked, inevitably, off the pace.

Edouard started against Brechin and Thistle but still looks raw and inexperienced leading the line.

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Celtic host Hearts tomorrow night and given the manner of the defeat against Craig Levein’s side at Tynecastle, the expectation is that Celtic will be out to atone for that sobering afternoon.

While the injury problems will feature prominently in the mind of Rodgers, the Hoops boss has maintained that other than the goalkeeping situation is thoughts regarding what he wants have not altered by Griffiths’ injury.

On a brighter note for the Hoops boss, who celebrated his 100th game in charge with the win over Hibs, is the recent form of Olivier Ntcham. The French midfielder continues to impress and was at the heart of so many of Celtic’s forward incursions against Hibs.

The 21-year-old arrived at the club as their biggest signing in a decade this summer but without having played much football at Manchester City. Over recent months he has integrated into the middle of the park with his performance levels suggesting a player capable of competing at Champions League level.

Adding players of similar magnitude over the next 48 hours will be seen as key not only in order to lift a squad that still lacks the effervescence of last term. New additions would not only placate a support hungry to see more quality added but would also give the current squad a shot in the arm.

Few would genuinally expect that Celtic will prevail over two legs against Zenit St Petersburg given the finances the St Petersburg side have, but in terms of a look towards the summer qualifiers, any new additions will be gratefully welcomed.