Sport Nation 2Celtic Football Club will be without two key defenders, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Greg Taylor, for their upcoming clash against Ross County. Carter-Vickers is sidelined due to a toe injury, while Taylor has sustained a calf problem, ruling both players out of action. This comes at a crucial time for Celtic, as they look to continue their strong domestic form following their recent Champions League fixture against Borussia Dortmund.
Injury Updates
Speaking at a media conference, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed that both players would miss the trip to Dingwall. Rodgers explained that Carter-Vickers, who has been recovering from a toe injury, is expected to return after the international break. The injury has been a point of concern, but there is optimism regarding his progress. Rodgers remarked, “He’s working on it, and the pain is easing. We expect him to be ready soon after the break.”
Taylor, who picked up a calf strain during the Dortmund match, will also be out of action, and his absence will likely force him to withdraw from the upcoming Scotland squad for international duty. Taylor’s injury became evident during the Champions League match when he was replaced at halftime by Alexandro Bernabei. Rodgers expressed hope that Taylor, too, would be available soon after the break.
In addition to these two absentees, Rodgers provided an update on Alistair Johnston. Johnston, who recently returned from injury, was taken off during the Dortmund game with a stiff back, but Rodgers assured fans that the Canadian international is fit for the Ross County game.
Defensive Challenges
The absence of Carter-Vickers and Taylor presents a challenge for Rodgers, as both players have been pivotal in Celtic’s defense this season. Carter-Vickers, in particular, has been a rock at the back since joining Celtic permanently from Tottenham Hotspur. His leadership and defensive solidity have been vital to Celtic’s domestic success and Champions League campaign.
Greg Taylor, on the other hand, has become a key figure in Celtic’s left-back position. His performances have significantly improved under Rodgers, and he has been a crucial outlet in both defense and attack. Losing him to a calf injury adds to Celtic’s defensive woes, especially considering their European commitments and tight domestic schedule.
In Taylor’s absence, Spaniard Alexandro Bernabei is expected to take his place in the lineup. Bernabei, who joined Celtic from Argentina’s Lanús, has shown promise in his appearances so far, particularly during the recent win over St. Johnstone. His performance will be closely monitored as Celtic look to consolidate their position at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
Ross County Clash
Celtic’s trip to Ross County in Dingwall is seen as a critical fixture, as the team looks to maintain its lead at the top of the table. Ross County, known for their physical and aggressive style, have often made life difficult for the Glasgow giants, especially on their home turf. Celtic will need to be at their best to secure all three points.
Despite the defensive absentees, Rodgers will be able to rely on other key players in the squad. Carl Starfelt and Maik Nawrocki are likely to continue their partnership in central defense, with Bernabei filling in at left-back. Alistair Johnston, now back to full fitness, will return to his right-back position.
The match against Ross County will be an important test of Celtic’s squad depth. While the injuries to Carter-Vickers and Taylor are setbacks, the team has shown resilience and adaptability throughout the season, and Rodgers will be looking for a similar response from his players.
Champions League Campaign
Celtic’s defensive issues come on the back of a challenging Champions League campaign. The 2024/25 season has seen Celtic drawn into a difficult group alongside Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, and AC Milan. Their recent match against Dortmund ended in a 2-0 defeat, with Taylor’s injury compounding the team’s struggles.
Despite the loss, Celtic remain determined to make an impact in Europe’s elite competition. The team has faced criticism for its performances on the continental stage in recent years, and Rodgers is keen to change that narrative. However, injuries to key players like Carter-Vickers and Taylor could hamper their progress.
With two games already played in the group stage, Celtic’s hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds hinge on their ability to secure positive results in the remaining fixtures. The international break will provide a much-needed respite for Rodgers’ squad, allowing injured players to recover and giving the manager time to reassess his tactical approach.
International Duty and Squad Rotation
The upcoming international break could not have come at a better time for Celtic. With several players carrying knocks, the two-week hiatus will allow Rodgers to rotate his squad and give fringe players an opportunity to step up. It also offers a chance for players like Carter-Vickers and Taylor to recover without missing too many domestic fixtures.
Greg Taylor’s likely withdrawal from the Scotland squad will be a blow to national team manager Steve Clarke. Taylor has been a consistent performer for Scotland, and his absence will force Clarke to look for alternatives in the left-back position. Meanwhile, Alistair Johnston’s omission from the Canada squad due to his back injury will allow him to fully recover before resuming his duties with Celtic after the break.
Rodgers will be hoping that his key players return from international duty unscathed, as the busy winter schedule looms large. With domestic, European, and cup competitions all in full swing, the availability of players like Carter-Vickers and Taylor could make or break Celtic’s season.
Looking Ahead
Celtic’s clash against Ross County will be a test of their squad’s depth and resilience. The absence of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Greg Taylor is undoubtedly a blow, but Brendan Rodgers has faith in the players at his disposal. With the international break on the horizon, Celtic will aim to navigate this tricky fixture and return to full strength in the coming weeks.
As Celtic push for success both domestically and in Europe, the importance of keeping key players fit and managing squad rotation becomes paramount. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of their season, and Rodgers will be counting on his team to step up in the absence of their defensive stalwarts.
In the end, the ability to adapt and overcome challenges will define Celtic’s 2024/25 campaign, and their response to the current injury crisis will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
Sport nation
Amina Umar