Celtic fans received a major injury boost ahead of their upcoming match against Hearts, with defensive duo Alistair Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers spotted in training this morning. The presence of these key players during the training session indicates that manager Brendan Rodgers will have a full squad to choose from for the crucial Scottish Premiership fixture.
Training Session Reveal
Johnston, who was a doubt after being substituted during Canada’s recent match against the USA due to a hamstring complaint, seemed to be in good spirits as he participated in the warm-up runs alongside his teammates. Similarly, Carter-Vickers, who had withdrawn from international duty as a precaution following a previous match, also looked fit and ready to contribute to the team’s defensive efforts.
The sight of both players training with the squad is a positive sign for Celtic as they prepare to face Hearts in what promises to be a challenging encounter. With the start of the new-look Champions League campaign just around the corner, Rodgers will be relieved to have his defensive options bolstered by the return of Johnston and Carter-Vickers.
Pre-Match Update
Rodgers is expected to provide a detailed update on the fitness of Johnston and Carter-Vickers during his pre-match press conference later today. The manager will likely confirm whether the defensive duo are available for selection and ready to play a part in the upcoming fixtures.
In addition to Johnston and Carter-Vickers, other players who were nursing injury concerns, such as Greg Taylor and James Forrest, were also seen training with the squad. Their presence further reinforces the depth and strength of the Celtic squad as they aim to maintain their impressive start to the season.
Celtic have enjoyed a perfect record so far, with four straight wins in the Scottish Premiership. In contrast, Hearts have struggled to find their form, sitting with just one point from their opening matches. The upcoming clash between the two sides will be a test of Celtic’s title credentials and their ability to maintain their winning streak.
Player Movements
In other news, Scotland defender Liam Cooper made a surprising move to Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia, with former Celtic star Stiliyan Petrov playing a key role in facilitating the transfer. Cooper, who spent ten years at Leeds United, is set to become the first Scot to join CSKA Sofia since Tony Watt’s brief stint at the club in 2019.
Cooper’s introduction to Bulgarian fans was marked by a unique video where he drove a Mini Cooper car, symbolizing his arrival at the club. The video emphasized his qualities as a player, describing him as “legendary, classy, aggressive, emblematic.”
The move to CSKA Sofia represents a new chapter in Cooper’s career and offers him the opportunity to showcase his talents in a different league. Petrov’s involvement in the transfer highlights the connections and relationships that play a crucial role in the world of football transfers.
Overall, Celtic fans can look forward to a full-strength squad for the upcoming matches, with the return of Johnston and Carter-Vickers providing a significant boost to the team’s defensive capabilities. As the Hoops continue their quest for success in both domestic and European competitions, the availability of key players will be essential in maintaining their winning momentum.