Celtic might have won the treble last season, but it is quite clear that they were not the same team after Cameron Carter-Vickers’ campaign came to an end in order to undergo surgery. The Hoops leaked goals in the last few Premiership matches and have not looked great defensively in pre-season either, conceding six against Yokohama F. Marinos.
Thus, it is quite clear that Celtic would want to have Carter-Vickers back available as soon as possible. And their chances of having him back in the squad before the start of the new season have been handed a boost.
It looks like the American defender is back on the pitch. As reported by the Daily Record (via Football Scotland), Carter-Vickers has resumed full training along with Anthony Ralston.
That is just the news that Celtic fans would have wanted to hear, with just a couple of weeks to go before the new season kicks off. Carter-Vickers may not end up being available for the opening game, but it does look like his return to action is not far away.
Celtic handed superb Carter-Vickers news
The importance of Carter-Vickers to this team has been further magnified in his absence. They have not been nearly as good without the American centre-back in defence.
None of the centre-backs have stepped up to the plate and taken his place in the team. Carl Starfelt looks much better with Carter-Vickers beside him. There are already question marks over the future of Yuki Kobayashi at Parkhead, even though he was signed in the January transfer window. And Stephen Welsh could leave this summer, having failed to establish himself in the first-team.
On the other hand, Celtic appear to be closing in on a move for Polish youth international, Maik Nawrocki. A deal is believed to have been agreed with Legia Warsaw and an official announcement of the signing could be made very soon.