Celtic boss Rodgers explains Carter-Vickers’ midweek absence

Cameron Carter-Vickers was not present for Celtic’s 2-1 victory over St. Mirren in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday night. However, manager Brendan Rodgers is not concerned about the defender’s future with the club.

Carter-Vickers was given a rest after recently returning to action on October 4. He had been sidelined with a knee injury for the first two months of the season but managed to make seven appearances for both club and country in October.

Nat Phillips and Liam Scales formed the defensive partnership for Celtic in the absence of Carter-Vickers. Despite initial concerns about his absence, Rodgers assured that there is no long-term issue with the defender.

“It was part of the game plan to give him a break,” said Rodgers after the match. “He is still recovering from his knee injury and some related issues. He has played a lot of games in a short period of time, so this break will allow him to rest and be ready for the upcoming games.”

Last season, the 25-year-old Carter-Vickers was outstanding for Celtic, earning accolades in the SPFL and PFA Scotland Best XI as the team secured the domestic treble. However, a knee injury towards the end of the season resulted in him missing most of the summer schedule for both Celtic and the U.S. men’s national team.

Carter-Vickers returned to international duty in October, playing against Germany and Ghana in two home friendlies. He then went on to play 90 minutes each in matches against Hearts, Atletico Madrid, and Hibernian, competing in two different competitions.

Rodgers will now be hoping to have Carter-Vickers available for Saturday’s league match against Ross County, as well as the upcoming UEFA Champions League fixture against Atletico Madrid next week.