Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers is aiming to return to training at Lennoxtown during the next international break, meaning he could be available for matches in less than a month’s time.
After recovering from knee surgery during the summer months, Carter-Vickers returned for two matches against Ross County and Aberdeen last month. However, a hamstring issue forced him off at Pittodrie and he’s been missing ever since.
Brendan Rodgers stated in the build-up to Saturday’s trip to Livingston that Carter-Vickers is slated for a 9th October return to training, which is the first day of the next international break.
The Bhoys host Kilmarnock at Celtic Park on 7th October and won’t play again until the visit to Tynecastle and Hearts on 22nd October. That looks like the game that the USA international could return for.
If everything stays on schedule, the standout defender will also be available for the UEFA Champions League match at home to Atletico Madrid.
Rodgers has been forced to name makeshift defences in recent weeks, although previously fringe players such as Liam Scales have stepped up and contributed well.
Still, it’ll be a major boost for the Bhoys to see Carter-Vickers back. If the medical staff can get him ready and the player himself can find consistency in form, the Celtic defence will be an entirely different beast.
Nobody will be keen to rush him back given the potential for further complications, but if he returns to training on the 9th, he’ll have two weeks at Lennoxtown to work up to being match-ready. It’s an ideal window.
In other news, ‘Chorus of boos’ at Ibrox as another Scottish Premiership weekend ends with Celtic top.
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