Martin O'Neill issues injury update on Celtic duo but no rirks should be taken
Martin O'Neill has issued an update on the fitness of Celtic duo Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston as the defenders bid to return from injury.
The Bhoys return to league action on Sunday, facing bottom club Hibs away from home. Celtic have been in strong form in the league, with that Old Firm defeat to Rangers their only failing so far.
The Hoops have been flying in the league, and they will be heavy favourites to pick up an away win over a Hibs side that has only won twice so far, sitting rock bottom in the table.
Celtic were dealt an injury scare during their Thursday night Europa League defeat to Celta Vigo, with Callum Osmand coming off, but O'Neill has since confirmed that there was no fresh injury, only cramp as the forward builds up his minutes following a few weeks on the sidelines with a muscular issue.
Elsewhere, Carter-Vickers and Johnston have both been training since earlier in the week. Carter-Vickers has been out since the international break due to a muscular strain, while Johnston has been out since August due to a significant hamstring injury which won't have been helped by his busy summer of World Cup action.
But both are close to a return, and O'Neill says they will be assessed ahead of Sunday's clash. He told Sky Sports: "Both have trained this morning, which is good news. They’ve been training now for quite a while, some considerable time, and then we’ll see how they feel tomorrow. It looks as if we’re getting there, which is great news.
“Good to get some senior players back fit again.”
Celtic shouldn't risk returning duo here
Even if the defensive duo are available, it would not be wise to risk them for more than a short period, given Celtic are very likely to come through this Hibs test at a canter.
Hibs have some injury issues of their own, and Celtic shouldn't be conceding goals even with some defensive absentees, with Auston Trusty likely to remain out as he spends some time away following the death of his father this week.
Celtic have more important games ahead, and it would be wise to avoid any unnecessary risk involving Carter-Vickers and Johnston, who are key players in O'Neill's defence.
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