Celtic have suffered a major injury blow with the news that Cameron Carter-Vickers could be facing five months on the sidelines.
The centre-back played through the pain towards the end of Celtic’s 2-1 Europa League win over Sturm Graz on Thursday, after first-half injuries to Alistair Johnston and Kelechi Iheanacho limited the number of substitutions available in the second half.
And the United States international is now facing a lengthy spell out.
Manager Brendan Rodgers told Sky Sports News: “Cameron Carter-Vickers looks like he has done his Achilles, which could be anything between three and five months. It’s not great news, but we’ll see where that one goes.”
The 27-year-old has been a certain starter, when fit, throughout his time at Celtic Park.
With Liam Scales establishing himself as first pick on the left side of central defence this season, Rodgers will now have to decide who partners the Irishman.
Auston Trusty has not featured for two months but is fit again after a foot injury, while 22-year-old Dane Murray has played four times this season.
On-loan Manchester City centre-back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey is also an option but the 19-year-old is yet to make his debut and has not even featured on the bench for two months, missing out on Celtic’s 23-man squad against Graz.
Rodgers said: “Cam has been a very important member of the squad, of course, and been a great centre-half for the club.
“But what I always think it does is opens the door and gives an opportunity to someone else.
“That opportunity came to Liam Scales and he’s been brilliant in my time here. You’ve seen his performance (on Thursday) night. He was so good.
“It will open the door for someone else to come in and look to perform.”
Johnston, Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda, who missed Celtic’s win over the Austrians, are all doubts for Sunday’s trip to face William Hill Premiership leaders Hearts with hamstring injuries.
