Brendan Rodgers confirms bad news for Celtic before Glasgow Derby

Celtic already seem to be the underdogs going into the Glasgow Derby against the Rangers, even though the game is at Parkhead. The Hoops have struggled for results in recent months. On the other hand, the Ibrox club have been successful in turning things around after the appointment of Philippe Clement. They recently won the Scottish League Cup, topped their Europa League group and announced the loan signing of Fabio Silva.

Of course, form often goes out of the window when it comes to the Glasgow Derby. It is more about which team can handle the pressure better and step up to the plate on the occasion.

Celtic will need to bring their A-game to Parkhead if they are to get a positive result against the Rangers. Unfortunately, they will be without one of their most important players on the day.

Cameron Carter-Vickers appeared to pick up a problem in the midweek game against Dundee FC. And unfortunately, he has not recovered in time. As reported by BBC, Brendan Rodgers said while talking about the centre-back:

"He will not be available for the next two games.

"It's not longer term, but you probably won't see him until after the winter break."

Rodgers confirms bad news for Celtic before Glasgow Derby

It goes without saying that that is a blow for Celtic. Carter-Vickers has dealt with fitness issues for a large portion of the season and unfortunately, this one has come at the worst time possible. He is the Hoops' best defender and one whose absence could prove key this weekend.

In Carter-Vickers' absence, one would expect Stephen Welsh to take his place in the starting XI in a partnership with Liam Scales. The Celtic youth graduate has spent the majority of the season out injured.

Welsh has done well in the few appearances he has made recently. But he quite certainly is not as good or as commanding a presence at the back as Carter-Vickers.