We are just two games into the season and Celtic are already facing a bit of a defensive crisis. Of course, that is far from ideal when you consider that their performances in the opening two matches left a lot to be desired. And now, Brendan Rodgers’ side are missing quite a few players as well.
Of course, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Reo Hatate both picked up injuries in the game against Aberdeen. Alistair Johnston has not even played this season, having undergone surgery during the summer.
Now, another name has been added to the injury list. It is that of Stephen Welsh. The Scottish centre-back signed a somewhat unexpected four-year extension just recently and he is already on the sidelines. And it looks like he will remain there for a while.
As reported by the Daily Record, Welsh will remain out for at least two months. He suffered ligament damage in his ankle due to an accidental clash in training.
Injured Celtic player ruled out for at least two months
The injury could not have come at a worse time for Welsh. He had signed a new contract just recently and with Carter-Vickers out injured, there was a clear path into the starting XI for him right now.
Now, Rodgers has a bit of a headache as well. There is no senior centre-back available to him. Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke have both arrived this summer. Liam Scales is back after a season out on loan at Aberdeen and there are question marks over his long-term future at Parkhead. Yuki Kobayashi has failed to impress since arriving in January.
Thus, it will be very interesting to see what the defensive duo in the heart of the defence will be in the next game. Nawrocki looks almost certain to start. Maybe Lagerbielke will get a chance as well.