Interim Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has delivered a comprehensive update on the club’s growing injury list, addressing the situations of several key players including Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand. Speaking to the media on Monday following the club’s AGM, O’Neill confirmed the major setback that centre-back Carter-Vickers will be sidelined for the rest of the season.
He went on to share further details about Johnston and Osmand, both of whom required surgery shortly after Celtic’s 4–0 win over Kilmarnock at Celtic Park before the international break.
O’Neill explained at the club’s press conference that Johnston faces a recovery period of roughly four to five months. Despite undergoing the same procedure on the same day, Osmand’s injury was more severe, meaning he is expected to be out for around five months. “Obviously Jota is unavailable as well,” O’Neill added. “I won’t have him back, and the same goes for those other lads.”
There was at least one encouraging update, with Marcelo Saracchi showing signs of progress after being forced off early in the victory over Kilmarnock. “He’ll be out for a bit longer too, but he’s getting closer to a return,” O’Neill noted. “I’m hopeful that if some of them can’t make the Feyenoord match, they might be available for selection against Hibs — though we’ll see how things go.”
In more immediate team news, forward Kelechi Iheanacho has been ruled out of the Scottish Premiership clash against St Mirren tonight, while James Forrest will also miss the fixture.
A win in Paisley would significantly boost Celtic’s league position, trimming the deficit to current leaders Hearts down to four points ahead of the Edinburgh side’s meeting with Aberdeen at Pittodrie tomorrow.
After tonight’s domestic assignment, Celtic will travel to Rotterdam for Thursday’s Europa League matchday five showdown with Feyenoord.
The Scottish champions must take at least a point from that game if they hope to stay in contention for a top-24 finish and secure a place in February’s knockout playoff round.
For now, though, the focus turns to St Mirren. Celtic face a stern challenge this evening and will need to produce a composed, disciplined performance if they are to return to Glasgow with a vital three points.
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