Brendan Rodgers has provided an update on two of Celtic’s key defenders as the club continues to manage its squad ahead of the Scottish Cup Final.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers celebrates after winning the Scottish Premiership REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Speaking ahead of the penultimate home match of the season against Hibs, the Celtic boss confirmed that Alistair Johnston will miss the match against Hibs, having recently undergone a pain-killing hip injection. However, there is optimism the Canadian right-back could return in time for the midweek fixture against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
“Ali is still out but we’ll have a look for him in midweek against Aberdeen,” Rodgers said on Celtic TV.
Meanwhile, Cameron Carter-Vickers remains on the sidelines as he continues his recovery from a hamstring issue. The American centre-back played in the derby draw at Ibrox but the manager revealed an issue post-match and is being carefully managed to ensure he is ready for the season’s finale.
“Cam is still out, we’re looking for him for the St Mirren game,” Rodgers added. “We are sticking to the original plan with these two players.”
With Celtic now coasting towards the end of the Premiership campaign and the Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen on May 24 still to come, the focus at Lennoxtown is firmly on ensuring key players are fit and firing for Hampden.
Rodgers has already welcomed back Kasper Schmeichel from injury this week, and hopes are high that Johnston and Carter-Vickers will soon follow as the Hoops push to complete a domestic Treble.
