Celtic centre-back Carl Starfelt expecting to be out for a couple of weeks

By David Walton

November 1, 2021

Celtic centre-back Carl Starfelt has stated that he expects to be out injured for a couple of weeks after picking up a hamstring injury against Livingston on Saturday.

The big Swedish centre-back pulled up clutching the back of his leg after stretching for a long ball. He immediately signalled to the bench that he needed to come off, with many fearing it could be long-term.

Ange Postecoglou stated after the game that he would get a scan early this week. It remains to be seen what the result of the x-ray shows.

However, Starfelt has sent a text message to Swedish outlet fotbolskanalen, where he explained that he hopes to only be out for a couple of weeks at most.

As quoted by the website, Starfelt said: “I have an X-ray tomorrow (read on Monday) so we will see after that, but it will probably be a lighter injury – that is, a couple of weeks [to recover].”

Starfelt has been a key figure for Celtic this season after his summer arrival from Rubin Kazan. The Sweden international has made 20 appearances for the club this term as he settles into life alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers [Transfermarkt].

Carl Starfelt suffers his first proper Celtic setback

You have to feel for Starfelt considering what he’s come through in his Celtic career so far. It wasn’t long ago that he was being labelled not good enough by many. During his early struggles when adapting to life in Scotland, Starfelt had to overcome some major adversity.

He’s managed to do that. Supporters have been a lot more impressed with what he’s brought to the table in recent weeks. So typical it is then that he’s picked up an injury out of absolutely nowhere.

Hamstring strains can happen to any player. Starfelt certainly isn’t injury-prone, and he’s shone in his time here so far that he’s willing to put his body on the line. All we can hope for is that it is indeed a light stretch and nothing too serious that will keep him out for months.

This is his first proper Celtic setback. It’ll be interesting to see how he recovers from it. All the indications are that Starfelt will be back and performing for the Hoops again soon.

It’s also ideal that an international break awaits just round the corner. Celtic have a trip to Ferencvaros followed by an away clash in Dundee. Once those are out the road, a two-week break will ensue which will give Carl plenty of time to get himself back up to speed.

Fingers crossed the scan shows minimal damage.

In other news, Celtic have had an extremely rewarding October despite Livingston blip