Injury spells often cast a shadow over a football club’s season, particularly when key players are sidelined.
For Celtic, the absence of Reo Hatate and Cameron Carter-Vickers has been felt big time, with both players missing significant portions of the campaign.
Yet, as we turn the page on what has been a difficult chapter for these players, there’s a potential upside to their troubles that might just silver the cloud looming over Parkhead.
The injuries to Hatate and Carter-Vickers have inadvertently served as a buffer against the risk of losing them to other clubs. Top talents are perpetually on the radar of bigger leagues, and a clean, injury-free season often serves as a showcase for such players.
However, with Hatate missing 31 games and Carter-Vickers out for 16 [Transfermarkt], their exposure to scouts and the consequent likelihood of transfers may have diminished. This is not to wish ill on any player, but in the ruthless of football, Celtic might find this situation inadvertently beneficial.
The pair have signed long-term deals with the club this season, leaving Celtic in a good place when it comes to potential transfer enquiries.
While the injury woes of Hatate and Carter-Vickers have undoubtedly been challenging for Celtic, they have also presented a set of hidden advantages.
As these players return to their best for the title run-in, Celtic might just find that the trials of today set the stage for the triumphs of tomorrow.
