Brendan Rodgers confirmed on Friday that Celtic will be without two of their key defensive players for the upcoming Scottish Premiership match against Ross County.
Greg Taylor was substituted at half-time in the Celtic defeat against Borussia Dortmund with a calf complaint and will now miss the trip to the Highlands.
Cameron Carter-Vickers, who has a foot injury and has missed recent games, will also be absent for the County match.
Alex Valle is expected to come in and play at left-back after his loan arrival from Barcelona, while fellow summer signing Auston Trusty will continue in place of his USA international teammate.
Thankfully, there’s better news on right-back Alistair Johnston, who has been suffering from a back problem of late.
Brendan Rodgers provides Celtic injury update
Speaking in a pre-match press conference, Rodgers said: “Cam’s still not available and Greg Taylor will miss the game, he has a slight problem in his calf so he’ll miss out.
“We’re hoping Cam will be ready for after the international break, and Greg probably won’t be too far after that.
“He (Carter-Vickers) is working and putting his weight on it, and it’s easing off. It was just time with him and we’re hoping he’ll be nearly there after the break”
“Ali’s fine, he’d come off with a stiff back, but he trained this morning, so he’s okay.”
Celtic have the depth to get through injuries
Thankfully Trusty and Valle have the ability to get the job done against County.
Trusty undoubtedly had his difficulties against Dortmund – but everyone did. He performed well away to St Johnstone last week. He can adequately partner Liam Scales against a direct Don Cowie side on Sunday.
Valle, meanwhile, is showing promise after an initially tough debut at home to Falkirk. He looked excellent coming off the bench at McDiarmid Park and was part of a stunning team goal to round off the 6-0 rout.
The left-back didn’t look out of his depth in the second half against Dortmund either, and hopes are high that he can really compete with Taylor for a starting spot in this side. Sunday is a big opportunity for the Spaniard.
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