Celtic squandered a two-goal lead on Saturday, drawing 2-2 with Aberdeen at Celtic Park and leaving the two sides level at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Despite racing into a comfortable position before the half-hour mark, the Hoops allowed the Dons to fight back with two second-half goals, further exposing defensive vulnerabilities in the absence of key centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Former Scotland international Barry Ferguson believes Celtic are struggling without their star defender. Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Ferguson said:
“He is the glue at the back, a good communicator and a massive player for Celtic. When Carter-Vickers isn’t in the starting 11 I think Celtic look a weaker team.”
Though Celtic dominated possession and dictated the tempo for large periods, they were undone by lapses at the back, dropping their first points of the campaign.
The lack of any clear update on Carter-Vickers’ recovery only heightened concerns among supporters, who are desperate to see him return and shore up the defence.
Rodgers Plays Coy on Carter-Vickers’ Return:
Brendan Rodgers offered little clarity post-match when asked about the defender’s availability, adding to the growing frustration among fans.
“He wasn’t quite right,” Rodgers told BBC Sportsound. “He’s a warrior, he wants to play every game. But we don’t want to rush it.”
When pressed on whether Carter-Vickers would feature in Wednesday’s match against Atalanta, Rodgers kept things vague: “I will see tomorrow,” he said to the Daily Record.
The lack of detailed questioning from the media on Carter-Vickers’ absence during the post-match press conference only added to the uncertainty.
Fans will now have to wait for Rodgers’ pre-match press conference ahead of the Atalanta clash for a potential update on the defender’s status.
Defensive Woes Prove Costly:
Celtic’s frailty at the back was laid bare once again, with the two goals conceded a result of defensive lapses rather than Aberdeen brilliance.
Carter-Vickers’ leadership, organisation, and presence were sorely missed as the Hoops failed to manage the game after taking control early on.
Rodgers will be hoping his star defender returns soon, with important fixtures looming both domestically and in Europe. Celtic’s failure to see off Aberdeen on home soil highlights just how crucial Carter-Vickers is to the side’s stability at the back.