Celtic are grappling with significant injury woes as they prepare for a pivotal match against league leaders Hearts on Sunday. The club’s defensive ranks have been hit hard after Cameron Carter-Vickers suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury during their 2-1 Europa League triumph over Sturm Graz. The setback is expected to keep the USA international out of action for up to five months, casting uncertainty over Celtic’s upcoming fixtures.
Manager Brendan Rodgers faces a growing list of absentees, with Kelechi Iheanacho and Alistair Johnston also forced off the pitch during Thursday’s European comeback. Rodgers addressed Carter-Vickers’ situation, telling Sky Sports, “He looks like he has done his Achilles, which could be anywhere between three and five months. So we just await confirmation of that. It’s not great news, but we will see where that one goes. Cameron has been a very important member of the squad, of course, and a great centre-half for the club.”
Despite the mounting difficulties, Rodgers emphasized the opportunities these injuries present for other players. “What I always think it does is opens up an opportunity for someone else. That opportunity came to Liam Scales and he has been brilliant in my time here, and you seen his performance last night (vs Sturm Graz) and he was so good – and it will open the door for someone else to come in and look to perform.”
Liam Scales, who impressed in the recent European contest, is now likely to play a more prominent role in the starting lineup. Meanwhile, Auston Trusty could also see a return to action after not featuring since the goalless draw against Kairat Almaty at Parkhead back in August.
Celtic’s options could further extend to academy product Dane Murray, who is being considered for a defensive slot at Tynecastle alongside Scales. However, Murray has not played since the defeat to Braga in early October, raising questions about his match fitness.
With the squad stretched thin, Rodgers must navigate a challenging period as Celtic aim to maintain their position at the top of the Scottish Premiership. The outcome of the Hearts encounter could have significant implications for their title ambitions, especially with several key players sidelined.
