Celtic is facing a defensive crisis as injuries continue to mount up among key players.
According to a report by SunSport, the club’s defensive woes have worsened with the recent injury of Maik Nawrocki, who is expected to miss the upcoming Glasgow Derby clash on September 3.
Nawrocki, signed for £4 million just last month, sustained a hamstring injury during the closing stages of Celtic’s defeat to Kilmarnock on Sunday.
The 22-year-old is now set to spend some time on the sidelines and is not expected to recover in time for the highly anticipated match against The Rangers.
Celtic’s defensive troubles don’t end there. Cameron Carter-Vickers is also expected to miss The Rangers fixture due to a hamstring injury. The influential USA defender was forced off the field during a match against Aberdeen last weekend, and there are concerns that he could face an extended period out of action.
Stephen Welsh ruptured ankle ligaments shortly after signing a new deal on Friday. Welsh is scheduled to undergo surgery to address the injury.
With Yuki Kobayashi still not fully fit after a pre-season injury, Celtic currently has only two central defenders available – Gustaf Lagerbielke and Liam Scales. Lagerbielke, who made his debut against Kilmarnock on Sunday and is now expected to shoulder significant responsibility in the upcoming fixtures.
Liam Scales, an Irish defender, had been expected to return to Aberdeen after a successful loan spell last season, but that deal now appears to be off the table.
Iwata and Alistair Johnston have both played centre back before, and this might have to come into play over the coming weeks.
As injuries continue to mount, Celtic boss Rodgers may be forced to look to the transfer market for cover, depending on the length of time Nawrocki and Carter-Vickers are expected to be out of action.
