About the health of one of their fan favorites, the Hoops have some bad news.
One of Celtic’s first-team stars will not be playing in today’s Scottish Premiership match against Glasgow Rangers, which comes as a setback to the team.
Celtic injury news
Due to their individual injury issues, Liel Abada and Reo Hatate have been sidelined for some time for the Hoops; nevertheless, supporters have received some really encouraging news on their recuperations, which will undoubtedly cheer them on.
Brendan Rodgers informed the media at Friday’s pre-game news conference that both players had resumed training and might play in this afternoon’s Old Firm derby if they pass a late fitness test after additional evaluation.
There will have been plenty of anxiety after Cameron Carter-Vickers suffered a hamstring injury during the 3-0 victory over Dundee on Boxing Day. He was taken off the field after 55 minutes and replaced by Stephen Welsh.
The USA center back has been a consistent member of the team this season, starting 13 of the 20 league games (Carter-Vickers statistics, WhoScored). However, due to a recent update, he will have to wait to play again for some time.
Carter-Vickers set for spell on sidelines
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated fixture vs Rangers, Rodgers confirmed that Carter-Vickers won’t be available for selection today and is expected to make his return to the field following the winter break.
As quoted by The Glasgow Times, he said: “I always think it is an opportunity for someone else, we had it in the last game when Gustaf [Lagerbielke] and Liam Scales came into the team, and for Liam, it was the making of him.
“It’s always a sadness whenever you lose a top player, but like I say, hopefully it’s not too long a time, he’ll be back after this break and then hopefully he’ll stay clear of injury for the second part of the season.”
Celtic suffer setback over Carter-Vickers
Standing at 6 foot 1, Carter-Vickers provides a physical presence at the heart of the backline, which he’s proven this season by averaging four aerial wins and three clearances per match in the Scottish Premiership this term.
The Parkhead outfit’s 25-year-old is also extremely calm and composed on the ball as shown in recording a 92.1% pass success rate since the start of the campaign, which is a useful quality to have when dictating the game and playing out from the defence.
The Southend-on-Sea-born talent even has the versatility to operate at left-back and right-back outside of his natural position, but this injury cover, should it be needed, is another attribute that the manager will have to cope without for a short amount of time (Transfermarkt – Carter-Vickers statistics).
Considering journalist Josh Bunting has claimed that former Tottenham Hotspur defender Carter-Vickers is “well-drilled” when defending in his box, Rodgers will know that not having the colossus at his disposal is a blow ahead of the Old Firm clash, so everyone associated with the club will be hoping that he can stage his comeback as soon as possible.
