Martin O’Neill has issued a positive injury update on Celtic’s defensive duo of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston.
Both players are edging closer to full fitness as the Hoops prepare for Sunday’s Scottish Premiership trip to Hibernian.
O’Neill Confirms Celtic Duo Training Progress
The Celtic manager confirmed both defenders trained on Friday morning.
Speaking to Sky Sports, O’Neill said: “Both have trained this morning, which is good news. They’ve been training now for quite a while, some considerable time, and then we’ll see how they feel tomorrow. It looks as if we’re getting there, which is great news.”
“Good to get some senior players back fit again.”
Carter-Vickers and Johnston Injury Timelines
Cameron Carter-Vickers has been sidelined since the international break with a muscular strain.
Alistair Johnston has been absent since August after suffering a significant hamstring injury.
That lay-off was complicated by the Canada international’s heavy summer schedule at the World Cup.
Both are now back on the grass and will be assessed ahead of the Hibs clash.
Celtic’s Strong Scottish Premiership Form
Celtic head to Easter Road in excellent domestic form.
Their only league defeat this season came in the Old Firm derby against Rangers.
The Hoops sit top of the Scottish Premiership table and remain clear favourites against a struggling Hibernian side.
Hibs have managed just two wins all season and currently occupy bottom place.
Why Hibs Represent a Favourable Fixture
Martin O’Neill’s side will be heavy favourites to collect all three points in the capital.
Hibs are dealing with their own injury problems, which further weakens their already limited options.
Celtic should control the game even without their full complement of centre-backs and full-backs.
Callum Osmand Injury Scare Clarified
Celtic suffered a brief injury scare during Thursday night’s Europa League defeat to Celta Vigo.
Young forward Callum Osmand was forced off during the second half.
O’Neill later confirmed the issue was only cramp.
Osmand is still building up his minutes after a recent muscular problem and remains an important attacking option.
Auston Trusty’s Personal Absence
Centre-back Auston Trusty is expected to miss the Hibs match.
The American defender is spending time away following the death of his father this week.
Celtic fans and the club have shown full support for Trusty during this difficult period.
Why Celtic Should Not Risk Carter-Vickers and Johnston
Even if both defenders are available for selection, caution must remain the priority.
Hibs sit bottom of the Scottish Premiership and offer limited attacking threat on current form.
Celtic are expected to win the game comfortably with the players already available.
Rushing Carter-Vickers or Johnston back for more than a short cameo would carry unnecessary risk.
Tactical Importance of the Defensive Duo
Cameron Carter-Vickers has been one of Celtic’s most consistent performers when fit.
His physical presence and leadership at the heart of defence have been missed.
Alistair Johnston brings energy, overlapping runs and defensive solidity at right-back.
Together they form a key part of Martin O’Neill’s preferred back line.
Both players are too important for the bigger fixtures ahead to be risked against Hibs.
Upcoming Fixtures Make Caution Essential
Celtic face a demanding schedule in the coming weeks.
Domestic matches against stronger opposition and remaining Europa League fixtures require fully fit senior defenders.
Protecting Carter-Vickers and Johnston now could prove decisive later in the campaign.
Martin O’Neill has already shown a measured approach to player management this season.
Fan Reaction to the Latest Celtic Injury Update
Celtic supporters have welcomed the positive news on the defensive pair.
Many fans on social media expressed relief that both players are training again.
However, a clear majority also agree that Sunday is not the time to force either man back into the starting eleven.
Supporters understand the value of patience after long injury lay-offs.
Celtic’s Defensive Options Without the Duo
Liam Scales and Dane Murray have performed solidly in recent weeks.
Jordan Lotomba remains available at right-back if Johnston is rested.
These options give O’Neill enough cover to rotate safely against Hibs.
Celtic’s defensive structure has held firm in the Scottish Premiership even during absences.
League Standings Context
Celtic lead the Scottish Premiership and have dropped points only once so far.
Maintaining that consistency remains the priority as the season progresses.
A comfortable win at Easter Road would further strengthen their position at the top.
Hibs, meanwhile, are fighting to climb off the bottom of the table.
Europa League Struggles Add Extra Pressure
Celtic’s European campaign has been difficult so far.
Three consecutive defeats have left them with work to do in the league phase.
The squad needs senior players available for the tougher continental matches still to come.
That reality makes careful management of Carter-Vickers and Johnston even more important.
O’Neill’s Measured Approach to Squad Fitness
Martin O’Neill has repeatedly stressed the need for senior players to return at the right time.
His comments on Friday morning reflect that same cautious mindset.
The manager is clearly pleased with the progress but will not force the issue.
Assessment tomorrow will decide whether either defender makes the squad.
What Success Looks Like on Sunday
A professional performance and three points should be the only targets against Hibs.
Celtic do not need to risk key defenders to achieve that goal.
Keeping Carter-Vickers and Johnston fresh for higher-stakes matches is the smarter long-term strategy.
Fans will accept rotation if it protects the squad’s most important defensive assets.
Looking Ahead Beyond Easter Road
The return of both players will give Celtic a major boost when they are fully ready.
Their presence strengthens the defensive unit and allows greater flexibility in selection.
Until then, patience remains the wisest course of action.
Martin O’Neill’s update is welcome, but the message is clear: no unnecessary risks should be taken.
Final Thoughts on Celtic’s Injury Situation
Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston are progressing well after lengthy spells on the sidelines.
Callum Osmand’s cramp scare has been confirmed as nothing more serious.
Auston Trusty’s personal situation continues to be handled with care by the club.
Celtic remain in a strong position domestically despite the absences.
Sunday’s fixture against bottom-of-the-table Hibs offers the perfect opportunity to manage the squad carefully.
Protecting key players now will benefit the team throughout the rest of the Scottish Premiership and Europa League campaign.
Martin O’Neill’s latest injury update has given Celtic fans reason for optimism.
The challenge now is to convert that progress into fully fit returns at the right moment.