Cameron Carter-Vickers has reportedly yet to link up with Brendan Rodgers’ main training group at Lennoxtown, with the defender’s pre-season status raising fresh concerns for Celtic.
Record Sport have reported that there are unconfirmed suggestions Carter-Vickers may have undergone surgery during the summer, although the club have not publicly addressed those claims.
Having been a cornerstone of Celtic’s defence in recent seasons, the coaching staff have had to carefully monitor the 27-year-old’s fitness due to recurring issues. Rodgers is well aware of the defender’s value, and his availability will be key as the champions look to hit the ground running in the coming weeks.
Celtic’s competitive fixture schedule begins in just over a month with a home fixture against St Mirren, followed closely by a crucial Champions League qualifier in mid-August.
Before that, the Hoops have a packed friendly schedule. It starts this Friday with a match against Queen’s Park, followed by trips to Cork and the Algarve.
In the meantime, Rodgers has several central defenders to assess. Auston Trusty and Liam Scales look set to feature prominently, while Stephen Welsh and Dane Murray remain in the mix.
Maik Nawrocki, who filled in at times last season, is pushing for a summer move. Gustaf Lagerbielke could also depart, with SC Braga showing interest.
Celtic have brought Kieran Tierney back into the fold, with the former Arsenal full-back capable of operating on the left side of a back three.
