Celtic now suffer 'big blow' over 183-game star at Parkhead

Celtic have suffered a ‘big blow’ as Parkhead favourite Cameron Carter-Vickers remains on the sidelines with an injury, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Bhoys are two points clear of arch-rivals Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, but boss Ange Postecoglou may be unable to call upon one of his key men for the home clash with Motherwell on Saturday.

It is understood that Carter-Vickers remains a major doubt to play any part when Celtic welcome Motherwell to Glasgow this weekend.

The centre-half missed the Hoops’ 2-0 defeat to St Mirren ahead of the international break and his preparations ahead of the World Cup in Qatar have been hampered.

Carter-Vickers was unable to join up with the United States squad for their clashes with Japan and Saudi Arabia, although his injury has been described as ‘minor’.

The 24-year-old reportedly suffered a niggle during Celtic’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk and former frontman Frank McAvennie has claimed a lengthy spell on the treatment table is in the offing.

Carter-Vickers joined the reigning Scottish Premiership champions permanently during the summer, signing a four-year contract.

O’Rourke believes Carter-Vickers’ injury will be of huge concern to Celtic and boss Postecoglou ahead of a busy period of the season.

The journalist fears defensive problems may re-emerge if the defender is on the sidelines for a prolonged period of time.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “It’s a big blow. Carter-Vickers came in on loan last season and really sorted out Celtic’s problem, which was defensively.

“They were weak from set pieces and conceded a lot of goals as well, but Carter-Vickers came in and sorted the defensive problems out.”

Carter-Vickers has made 183