Celtic have faced their fair whack of injury problems this campaign under Brendan Rodgers and have struggled to field their strongest side at times.
Granted, the likes of Reo Hatate, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston being on the sidelines in recent weeks is no excuse for a drop in performance from the Bhoys; regardless, challenges have certainly been posed in their absence.
Rodgers was forced into the transfer market last summer to acquire Nat Phillips on loan as emergency cover amid a defensive crisis that ruled out Carter-Vickers, Stephen Welsh, Yuki Kobayashi and Maik Nawrocki.
Of course, Liam Scales’ emergence from the abyss is a shining example of taking your opportunity to shine, with the Republic of Ireland international now on the brink of penning a new deal at Parkhead.
The former Shamrock Rovers defender looked to be close to sealing a switch to Aberdeen last year before unexpectedly announcing himself as a key player under Rodgers.
Israel international Liel Abada is yet another Celtic man to be hit with fitness complications this term; nevertheless, it is unclear whether he will play for the club again amid his ongoing personal circumstances.
2023/24 has been a whirlwind of a season, and it is hard to remember a time when so many injury issues have cropped up at once at Parkhead.
Cameron Carter-Vickers given green light to make Celtic return
In a major boost for Celtic, Rodgers may be able to call upon the services of Carter-Vickers this weekend as his side travel to Motherwell.
The Scottish Sun report that the United States international was given the green light to return to full training after three weeks of rigorous treatment on a hamstring injury that has sidelined the 26-year-old since January 27th.
According to the outlet, Carter-Vickers is now in contention to make a dramatic comeback at a crucial time for Celtic amid their away clash at Fir Park.
Internally, there is a cautious approach to his availability as the Bhoys don’t want to rush their star man in prematurely.
Rodgers will likely wait until closer to the weekend before determining whether the Tottenham Hotspur academy product will be present in North Lanarkshire.
Cameron Carter-Vickers shouldn’t be rushed back by Celtic
Celtic aren’t the same team without Carter-Vickers, and he is crucial to our chances of lifting the Scottish Premiership title in May.
Undoubtedly, his influence has been missed in recent weeks; however, we have already seen the downside of rushing the defender back from injury, which is something that can’t afford to happen again as the Bhoys chase a domestic double.
Everyone connected with the club will be desperate to see his presence in the backline against Motherwell; nonetheless, Rodgers and his backroom staff will have the final say.
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