American journalist Larry Henry Jr has offered a small but telling update on Celtic star Cameron Carter-Vickers, confirming the defender’s rehabilitation is moving in the right direction, but with firm limitations.
Henry reports that Carter-Vickers is currently working on upper-body strength and basic leg conditioning, with no ball work introduced at this stage. That marks steady progress in his recovery from a serious Achilles injury. But the most important detail came when Henry was asked directly whether a return this season was realistic.
His response was unequivocal.
“Not this season.”
That confirmation removes any remaining hope of a late comeback and highlights the scale of the blow suffered by Celtic during a campaign already shaped by instability.
Carter-Vickers remains the best centre-back at the club. His absence has robbed the defence of leadership and composure. In a season marked by managerial upheaval, and recruitment missteps losing him has also been damaging.
It has also laid bare the lack of depth at the heart of the defence.
The Hoops centre-back options became so thin that Stephen Welsh was recalled from his loan spell at Motherwell in January. The move was not made to strengthen the side, but simply to ensure there were enough bodies available. That alone says plenty.
Welsh is expected to be allowed back out on loan to Fir Park if Celtic manage to recruit another central defender before the window closes.
Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers arrives at the stadium before the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
For a club of Celtic’s size and resources this situation is deeply concerning. An injury to one player, even one as influential as Carter-Vickers, should never leave the squad this vulnerable. Yet months later, there is still no internal answer. One injury to Trusty or Scales and we are going to be very short.
On a personal level for the American defender, the update is encouraging. Carter-Vickers is progressing, and his rehabilitation appears to be on track.
