Celtic could face a significant challenge in their upcoming matches as defender Cameron Carter-Vickers misses training due to a toe injury.
The 26-year-old U.S. international, who is dealing with a metatarsal injury below his big toe, did not participate in the League Cup quarter-final victory over Falkirk and is now a major doubt for Saturday’s Scottish Premiership clash against St Johnstone.
Carter-Vickers’ absence was felt in training this week, and his participation in Celtic’s crucial Champions League encounter with Borussia Dortmund on October 1 remains uncertain. The situation suggests he will not be available for selection this Saturday in Perth, posing a substantial setback for the team.
🍀 No Cameron Carter-Vickers at Celtic training ahead of Saturday’s trip to St Johnstone.
Alistair Johnston is back after he also missed last weekend’s game ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/x5GyOMOO2A
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) September 27, 2024
In his absence, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers may need to adjust his defensive lineup. Auston Trusty and Stephen Welsh, who started together against Falkirk, are potential options. Maik Nawrocki, who came off the bench in that game, could also be in contention for more significant involvement.
The defensive configuration against St Johnstone could give a hint towards who might start in the high-stakes match against Dortmund if Carter-Vickers remains sidelined. Celtic fans will be keenly watching how this situation develops, hoping for a speedy recovery for their key defender.
Brendan Rodgers will likely give more information during his press conference on Friday afternoon.
He has a toe injury, not a broken leg, so get him into the squad. We can’t keep wrapping these players in cotton wool every time they have a minor injury. In the old days, players played through far worse pain barriers. This kind of constant interruption to the squad will cost us in Europe, where we need our best players at all times.
Was never really expecting CCV to be risked this weekend?
Still the question arises as to whether can actually do the three games in a week scenario, when they do come around?
Having my doubts myself, so attention turns to who is actually the backup option for CCV?
Welsh was given the role last week, even if I would regard Rocki as the better option myself?
Welsh still seems Rodgers preferred option, but maybe not the case, with Rocki included within our 25man CL squad?
Yet Rocki has his own injury issues and wouldn’t say with any degree of confidence that he is even capable of 3 games in a week, even 2 games in a short space of time might even be a stretch for him also?
Regardless think rocki will be used on Saturday, and hopefully a return of CCV for dortmund, and a return of rocki for the following weekend, might be the best solution for the position over the next 3 games imo?