As Celtic prepare to face Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership, they may have to do so without another key player. Cameron Carter-Vickers, the American defender, is a doubt to feature after missing the Champions League clash against Atalanta due to injury. His potential absence is not ideal, but it’s not unprecedented.
This season, Celtic have already proved their resilience, sitting top of the league with only a one-point lead over Aberdeen. The Bhoys have had to navigate unexpected results, including a thrilling 3-3 draw against Rangers and a composed 0-0 draw against Atalanta in the Champions League. These performances have shown the side’s depth and ability to adapt.
While Carter-Vickers is a crucial part of the Celtic defense, the injury to Matt O’Riley in the summer could have raised concerns about the side’s chances. However, Rodgers and his team have demonstrated their faith in their players, earning impressive results despite the initial worry.
The question now is whether Carter-Vickers will be fit to face Motherwell. Despite initial hopes that he would feature in the Atalanta game, he ultimately missed out. Rodgers was evasive about the defender’s fitness, stating only, “Cam, we’ll just see when we get back.” This lack of clarity suggests that the Scottish champions may be forced to cope without another key player.
The return of “brilliant” Carter-Vickers will be crucial, as his leadership and performances have been a cornerstone of the team’s success. His absence has been felt, with the side having to do without him for six games already. The American has earned widespread praise, including from former manager Ange Postecoglou, who described him as “brilliant” and “a credit to the club.”
It remains to be seen whether Carter-Vickers will be back in time to face Motherwell. If not, Celtic will have to rely on other players to fill the gap. However, his return will be a significant boost to the team, and his influence will be crucial in their quest to retain the Scottish Premiership title.
