Celtic suffered an unexpected blow before the game against Real Madrid, as it emerged that Cameron Carter-Vickers had been left at home after picking up a problem on the artificial pitch in Livingston at the weekend. Thus, the Hoops took to the Santiago Bernabeu pitch without their best defender and stand-in captain in the absence of Callum McGregor, who is out injured.
Carl Starfelt did make his long-awaited return at the Bernabeu but the game against Real Madrid was not one to remember for the defence. They shipped five goals to the European champions. The only highlight of the night for Celtic was Jota’s stunning free kick.
Celtic will surely be looking to bounce back when they take on Dundee United at the weekend in the Scottish Premiership. And there is some good news for Ange Postecoglou’s side ahead of the game.
Cameron Carter-Vickers has been pictured back in training for the Hoops and as a result, it looks like the American defender could be available for the game against Dundee United. It is safe to say that that has to be considered as a major boost. The club posted the photo on Twitter:
👀 The Bhoys are back in #cinchPrem action tomorrow!
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) November 4, 2022
📸 Who's ready for some training pics? 🙋♂️#CELDUFC | #COYBIG 🍀
Celtic receive Carter-Vickers boost ahead of Dundee United clash
Carter-Vickers is most probably the best defender at Celtic right now. He has been a rock at the back ever since arriving last summer, firstly on loan from Tottenham Hotspur and was then signed on a permanent basis this time around.
The defender has had some injury issues in recent times though and Celtic will surely be hoping that he is able to put them behind him and get back to full fitness as soon as possible. He is without doubt one of the most important members of the team right now.
As things stand, Celtic sit four points clear off the Rangers at the top of the Premiership table. There are just three more league games to go before the mid-season break, due to the World Cup being played in the winter this year.
Surely, Postecoglou’s side will be hoping that they are at least able to maintain the four point gap that they have over the Rangers, if not extend it before the clubs head into the break. Also, let’s just hope that no other players pick up any injuries between now and then. The Hoops are already dealing with quite a few of them as it is.