NafisaCeltic have received a significant setback ahead of their crucial Europa League clash with Celta Vigo, with the club still trying to find consistency after a difficult start to their European campaign.
The Hoops head into Thursday night’s showdown at Celtic Park knowing another disappointing result would leave them with an uphill battle to reach the knockout stages. Their opening defeats to Ferencvaros and Benfica have left them without a single point in the league phase.
Sunday’s emphatic 7-1 victory over Hearts offered Martin O’Neill’s side a welcome lift after weeks of scrutiny, but the challenge awaiting them in Europe is considerably different. Celtic now need to carry that domestic confidence into a fixture that could prove hugely important to their campaign.
However, their preparations have been complicated by fresh concerns over two influential defenders, with the latest update confirming that neither will be available for the visit of the Spanish side.
Shaun Maloney, who handled Celtic’s media duties with O’Neill absent due to a personal matter, delivered the disappointing news while speaking to Sky Sports Scotland.
“Alistair has been back training a little bit longer. Cameron just started this week, but both won’t make tomorrow.
“But they should, if it goes well in the next couple of days, be available for the squad on Sunday.”
The update means Alistair Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers will both miss Celtic’s Europa League clash with Celta Vigo, although there is hope that they could return to the matchday squad for Sunday’s trip to Hibernian.
Johnston has been sidelined since August with a hamstring problem, while Carter-Vickers has missed Celtic’s recent matches against Motherwell, Benfica and Hearts.
Both defenders have now returned to training, offering encouragement that their absences may soon come to an end. Nevertheless, Thursday’s European encounter has arrived too early for either player to feature.
Their absence leaves Celtic with further defensive concerns at a time when O’Neill’s side desperately need a positive result in Europe.
Colby Donovan and Dane Murray handed important responsibilities
Celtic have already been forced to rely on younger options during the recent injury setbacks, with Colby Donovan stepping up at right-back while Johnston has been unavailable.
The youngster impressed again during the 7-1 demolition of Hearts, strengthening his case for continued involvement in the first team. His performances have offered Celtic an encouraging alternative in a position where they have been short of experienced options.
Dane Murray has also been given greater responsibility at centre-back during Carter-Vickers’ absence. The defender has featured in recent matches as Celtic attempt to navigate their injury problems without losing defensive stability.
With both Johnston and Carter-Vickers unavailable against Celta Vigo, Donovan and Murray could once again find themselves playing important roles.
Celtic will need the pair to maintain their recent form against stronger European opposition, particularly with little room for further mistakes after losing their first two league-phase fixtures.
The 7-1 win over Hearts demonstrated the attacking threat Celtic can produce when everything clicks, but Thursday’s match will test whether they can deliver a similarly convincing performance on the continental stage.
Celtic cannot afford another European setback
The pressure is mounting on Celtic to get their Europa League campaign moving after defeats against Ferencvaros and Benfica left them without a point.
The result against Hearts helped restore some confidence following the disappointing European defeat to Benfica, but another loss on Thursday would make their qualification task considerably more difficult.
Celta Vigo will arrive at Celtic Park hoping to take advantage of Celtic’s defensive absences, while the Scottish champions must find a way to balance their attacking ambitions with greater security at the back.
Maloney’s update has at least provided a potential boost for the weekend, with Johnston and Carter-Vickers expected to be considered for the squad against Hibernian if their recovery continues without complications.
For now, however, Celtic must prepare for one of their most important European fixtures of the season without two of their most trusted defensive options.
Donovan and Murray may once again be called upon to step up, with Celtic needing another strong collective performance to secure their first points of the Europa League campaign.
Nafisa
