CELTIC have been hit by a sledgehammer blow with the news Cameron Carter-Vickers could be out of action for FIVE months.
The USA international centre-back, a first pick for Ange Postecoglou and now Brendan Rodgers for over four years, injured an Achilles during the champions’ 2-1 Europa League win over Sturm Graz at Parkhead last night.
Carter-Vickers played the entire 90 minutes-plus against the Austrians before collapsing to the turf at full-time. The rock-solid defender had to be helped to the dressing room by physio Tim Williamson, as CQN reported earlier today.
DOWN AND OUT…Cameron Carter-Vickers is tended to by physio Tim Williamson and concerned team-mates Liam Scales and Kieran Tierney at the end of the 2-1 Europa League win over Sturm Graz last night. Image courtesy TNT Sports.
The 27-year-old pivot, who cost £6million when the Hoops signed him from Spurs in the summer of 2022 after an impressive season-long loan, has been troubled with a persistent hamstring problem for the last couple of campaigns.
As Rodgers awaited confirmation of the shattering news, the Hoops boss, speaking to Sky Sports, said: “He looks like he’s done his Achilles which could mean he’s out for anything between three and five months.
“It’s not great news.
“Cam’s been a very important member of the squad and been a great centre-half for the club.
“But I always think what it does is opens the door and gives an opportunity to someone else.
“That opportunity came to Liam Scales and he’s been brilliant during my time here and you saw his performance last night, he was so good.”
Rodgers will now look among his stand-by squad for a replacement and Dane Murray, Auston Trusty, who is just coming back from injury, and Jahmal Simpson-Pusey, on loan from Manchester City, may come into contention.
The problems are piling up for the Parkhead team chief and Alistair Johnston, whose comeback after 10 games out ended after only 25 minutes against the Austrians, and striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who didn’t even last two minutes, could also be sidelined for lengthy periods.
On top of that Daizen Maeda, who has sat out the last two games, remains a doubt for the crucial Premiership encounter against Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday.
