Celtic dealt two injury setbacks before Europa League meeting with Celta Vigo

Celtic have suffered a defensive setback ahead of their Europa League meeting with Celta Vigo after Shaun Maloney confirmed that Alistair Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers will both miss Thursday night’s encounter.

The Hoops are preparing for an important European fixture at Celtic Park, with the club still searching for their first points in this season’s Europa League league phase following defeats to Ferencvaros and Benfica.

Although Celtic enjoyed a morale-boosting 7-1 victory over Hearts at the weekend, they will have to navigate another demanding test without two of their established defensive options.

Johnston has been unavailable since August because of a hamstring problem, while Carter-Vickers has missed Celtic’s recent fixtures against Motherwell, Benfica and Hearts.

There is, however, some encouraging news for the Scottish champions, as both defenders have returned to training and are working towards a return to competitive action.

Shaun Maloney provides Celtic injury update

Speaking to Sky Sports Scotland, Maloney confirmed that neither defender would be ready to feature against Celta Vigo, despite making progress in their respective recoveries.

The Celtic coach explained that Johnston had spent a little longer back in training, while Carter-Vickers had only recently resumed work with the squad.

However, Maloney suggested that both players could be available for selection when Celtic travel to face Hibernian on Sunday, provided their recovery continues to progress as expected.

That would offer a potential boost to Martin O’Neill’s defensive options, with the club hoping to welcome the pair back into contention after their recent absences.

For now, though, Celtic must concentrate on the immediate challenge against Celta Vigo, knowing they will once again be without two experienced defenders.

Celtic must find defensive solutions against Celta Vigo

Johnston’s absence has provided an opportunity for Colby Donovan to establish himself at right-back, and the youngster impressed again during Celtic’s emphatic victory over Hearts.

At centre-back, Dane Murray has also taken on additional responsibility while Carter-Vickers remains unavailable, featuring in recent matches as Celtic attempt to maintain stability at the back.

Both players could be required to deliver another disciplined performance on Thursday night against a Celta Vigo side that will present a different challenge from their domestic opponents.

The timing of the injuries is far from ideal for Celtic, particularly given their difficult start to the Europa League campaign.

Defeats against Ferencvaros and Benfica have left the Hoops under pressure to respond in Europe, making Thursday’s fixture an important opportunity to get their campaign moving in the right direction.

The victory over Hearts has provided a welcome lift, but Celtic will need to reproduce that confidence on the continental stage.

Maloney’s latest update offers some encouragement ahead of Sunday’s trip to Hibernian, although Johnston and Carter-Vickers will first have to continue their rehabilitation before being considered for selection.

For Celtic, the immediate priority remains finding a way to overcome Celta Vigo without two of their trusted defensive figures.