Celtic’s title hopes seem to be slimming by the week. Saturday saw The Bhoys throw away two more crucial points in the Scottish Premiership against Kilmarnock.
Kyogo Furuhashi opened the scoring in the first half, but David Watson’s late equaliser ensured Killie took a point back down the M77. The Hoops have had several issues this campaign, conceding late levellers being one.
Another has been on the injury table, though. Currently, two of the best players in Scotland, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Reo Hatate, are unavailable.
Right-back Alistair Johnston is still out with a face fracture he sustained against Hibs, and pundit and former Celt Mark Wilson thinks the current injury list isn’t helping his old club.
Speaking to Sky Sports on Monday, he said: “I think with the strongest teams out I still believe Celtic have a better starting eleven when everybody is fit and playing, but that has been the problem – getting that starting eleven all on the pitch at one time.
“If they can do that, and the players are up to match speed, I still believe Celtic have enough to win that game (the next Glasgow derby) but again it is a long time to go before then.”
Carter-Vickers, Hatate, and Johnston are three first-choice starters. Getting the trio back starting will provide Rodgers and the team with a noteworthy boost heading into the run-in.
The American centre-half brings stability and calmness to the backline while Hatate provides the nous required to break the lines against stubborn defences. His presence hugely improves Celtic’s transitional play, but he has struggled all season with his fitness.
He will add a noticeable dynamic to the team when he returns, but the argument that Celtic should have sufficient backup to win games when he’s out does have headway.
