Cameron Carter-Vickers major doubt for Celtic’s Benfica challenge

Cameron Carter Vickers was a notable absentee in the Hoops 2-0 win at Fir Park after failing to shrug off a strain, and Martin O’Neill has confirmed that the big centre half is now doubtful for Thursday’s Europa League clash with Benfica in Lisbon…

At his post match media conference after Celtic’s return to winning ways with an impressive performance in the 2-0 win away to Motherwell, the veteran Irishman provided an injury update on CCV.

“He might not be fit for Thursday. I think he’s got a strain and he’s missing this one,” the Celtic manager said. “The physios and the medical team have told me that Thursday might be too early. But the European game will just end up taking care of itself. It’ll be a tough game.

“But for us domestically to get on track again was delightful.”

The former Spurs defender who raised some eyebrows with his comments in the wake of the home loss to the Rangers missed a huge chunk of last season due to injury, so Martin and the coaching staff will be wary of throwing him straight back into action especially with a run of vital games looming in the coming weeks.

Dane Murray acquitted himself well in the win over the Steelmen, but to throw him into the Benfica clash won’t be on the forefront of Martin’s mind, despite his impressive showing in the 1-0 win in Stuttgart back in February.

Auston Trusty will in no doubt take his place for the massive challenge ahead against the Portuguese giants, after being an unused substitute in the win at Fir Park after his international escapades with the United States, with Liam Scales the obvious choice to partner the former Arsenal and Sheffield United man.

With a tough home fixtures with Hearts and Celta Vigo on the agenda as well as an away trip to Easter Road in the next fortnight, we will need all our best players fit and available, and Cameron Carter Vickers is certainly one of our best and most important players.