Brendan Rodgers’ second spell at Celtic has brought with it some criticisms and questions. A lot of those criticisms may be things that Rodgers can control, but one thing that he hasn’t been able to help is the consistent injury sprees that have hampered the Celtic squad all season.
There hasn’t been a single moment this season where Brendan Rodgers has been able to deploy a full-strength Celtic team for a consistent run of games, with the likes of Reo Hatate, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liel Abada all suffering long-term lay-offs in an injury-plagued campaign.
It is no different currently, with four key first-team starters all out injured for the Hoops. With the title race still looking tight at the top of the table and with a Scottish Cup still up for grabs, the return of these players will be key for Celtic.
When can we expect these injured stars back and what sort of impact can they have over the rest of the season?
Cameron Carter-Vickers
The American has been a colossus at the back for Celtic since arriving on that initial loan spell from Spurs a few seasons ago. Since undergoing knee surgery last April, however, Carter-Vickers has had injury troubles that have limited the amount of football he has played this season.
Whilst the likes of Liam Scales have stepped up in his absence, supporters would still feel much more comfortable with the American at the heart of the Celtic defence.
The latest news on Cameron Carter-Vickers is that he is back on the training pitch and will be available in the next few weeks.
Greg Taylor
Greg Taylor suffered an injury against Buckie Thistle that has seen him out of action for a number of weeks. Alexandro Bernabei has deputised in his absence, but the chaotic nature of Bernabei’s style of play has left Celtic’s defence a lot more open than they usually would be.
Taylor was in the running for an appearance against the Buddies at the weekend but ultimately that match had come too soon, and he will be available for the visit of Kilmarnock to Parkhead this weekend.
Reo Hatate
Reo Hatate has had a really hard time this season, with injuries constantly hampering his progress throughout the campaign.
He returned to the team prior to heading off to the Asian Cup, where once again he picked up an injury that would keep him out for a prolonged period of time.
Celtic have been lacking creativity in attack, with the risk-taking Hatate’s qualities being sorely missed in this Celtic team.
A double calf injury means that Hatate should be out for another five weeks, and Rodgers will be looking to take things slowly to ensure the playmaker is ready upon his return.
Alistair Johnston
Alistair Johnston suffered a scary-looking head injury that saw him stretchered off at Easter Road last week.
Following the victory over St Mirren at the weekend, Rodgers stated that, “The thinking is we’ll have a look in 10 days to see where he’s at. But it could be 10 days to four weeks.”
JAMES MCKENZIE // Follow James HERE
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