Celtic may have to deal with a significant setback ahead of their final Champions League group stage match against Aston Villa, with Cameron Carter-Vickers absent from the squad during their final training session at Lennoxtown.( SkySports)

The American defender, a pivotal figure in Brendan Rodgers’ backline, was a noticeable absentee as the Hoops prepared for the clash against the Premier League side. Carter-Vickers has been instrumental in Celtic’s European and domestic campaigns, providing stability and leadership at the heart of the defence.

With his absence, Rodgers faces a defensive dilemma as the team looks to secure a result against Villa. The manager will likely need to rely on Liam Scales joining Auston Trusty in the heart of defence.

If injured and not just rested, the timing of this couldn’t be worse for Celtic, the hoops still have an outside chance to progress further up the table with qualifitcation into the next round of the Champions League already guaranted.

But now with notable absenses of Kyogo now transferred to France and CCV missing from the back four, it will be a tough ask for Celtic to gain a victory at Villa.

Rodgers has yet to confirm the extent of Carter-Vickers’ absence, leaving fans anxious for updates ahead of Wednesday night’s showdown.