TIME, for once, is now on the side of Neil Lennon.

He can now marshal his resources before facing three games that could increase the momentum in the attempt to bridge the 12-point gap to Rangers at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Celtic face Inverness Caledonian Thistle away and Dunfermline Athletic and St Mirren at home in the week beginning November 19.

Alan Thomson, the Celtic coach, believes reinforcements are on the way. “After the [international] break we will have a few more available,” he said in the wake of the 2-1 victory at Motherwell.

There are signs that Celtic should be stronger, certainly before the transfer window. Bolo Zenden, the former Barcelona and Liverpool player, is training with the side as he seeks a short-term contract.

Thomson said the 35-year-old was keen to come to the club and the Dutch winger will be assessed in the next couple of days.

However, Lennon will be more interested in the progress of his walking wounded. The appearance of such as Marcus Fraser, Dylan McGeouch and Joe Chalmers on the substitutes’ bench has given some weight to Lennon’s claim that his squad is down to the bare bones.

Celtic limped away from Fir Park with bumps and bruises, particularly to James Forrest who was the victim of some strong challenges, but Lennon was grateful not to add anyone to the long-term injury list. Nine first-team players missed the trip to Motherwell and, although only three should be back after the international break, the injury cloud is slowly lifting for Celtic.

Joe Ledley (calf injury), Charlie Mulgrew (hamstring) and Ki Sung-Yueng (virus) should all be available after said break but Lennon and his coaches will be heartened by the progress made by some of the long-term injured. The absence of Emilio Izaguirre has been a blow to Celtic.

The Honduran full-back was crucial to the way the Parkhead side attacked with his pacy runs exploiting space on the wings. His broken ankle, suffered in August at Pittodrie, has impacted badly on the Celtic team.

Badr El Kaddouri, on loan from Dinamo Kiev, has not proved to be an adequate replacement, finding it difficult to adjust to the physical aspects of the Scottish game. Adam Matthews has been switched to left-back and his most convincing performance came at the weekend when he matched the pacy Chris Humphrey of Motherwell.

Lennon has also chosen Mulgrew and Ledley to fill in at left-back, but the return of Izaguirre would change the dynamic of the team. Initially, it was thought his season was over after the injury at Aberdeen.

When the injury was diagnosed as a straight fracture rather than a more troublesome ligament injury, the recovery period was put at six to eight months. Reports from Lennoxtown, however, say that the Honduran is already running regularly and is confident he can be back in a first-team jersey before Christmas.

With Kelvin Wilson, Lennon’s first-choice centre back, also aiming at a return before the festive period, Celtic could be bolstered in defence ahead of a hectic period that includes an Old Firm fixture. Mark Wilson, though, is out long-term and, despite Celtic having cover at full-back, his absence is damaging because of his work rate and professionalism.

In attack, Mohamed Bangura’s knee injury has proved not to be as serious as first thought and he could be available next month. With Anthony Stokes and Gary Hooper in goal-scoring form, Bangura may find he will be used as an impact player, much in the same way as Paddy McCourt.

In midfield, the only missing player is club captain Scott Brown. His recurrent ankle problems forced him to undergo surgery last month in what the club described as a ‘‘minor procedure’’. He is now undergoing a programme of rehabilitation but may not return to first-team action until next year.

Celtic, though, are well-served in midfield. Ledley, Ki and Biram Kayal are all strong contenders for a central slot and Forrest has been excellent in the wide position sometimes filled by Brown.

With Victor Wanyama quietly impressing as a holding midfielder, Celtic can withstand the loss of Brown.

Lennon has not moved to a place of safety after two excellent results against Rennes and Motherwell, but he now has room to manoeuvre before three critical league matches.

The international break has the capacity to cause him further angst with Celtic players travelling with a variety of squads but it also acts as a period of reflection for the manager and of rehabilitation for injured players.

Lennon knows there are difficult days ahead, but the optimistic updates on the injured suggest he may have reinforcements for the coming battles.