CELTIC boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that stars Cameron Carter-Vickers and Reo Hatate WON’T feature against Kilmarnock at the weekend.
The Hoops travel to RugbyPark on Sunday to take on Derek McInnes‘ side in the last 16 of the Viaplay Cup.
But they will be without two of their key men for the trip to Ayrshire as the pair have been ruled out due to injury.
Carter-Vickers was forced off at Pittodrie during last weekend’s win over Aberdeen.
Hatate also had to come off due to injury after coming on for David Turnbull at the break during the 3-1 win in the north east.
Speaking at his press conference previewing the match, the Celts gaffer did not put a timescale on how long the pair will be absent, but he did definitely rule them out of the Kilmarnock clash.
He said: “They’re not available for this weekend so we just have to assess them and see how they are over the coming weeks.”
He also revealed Stephen Welsh has sustained a small injury in training.
It comes at an unfortunate time for the 23-year-old who had just extended his contract with the Parkhead outfit.
Rodgers added: “He picked up a little bit of a knock today, which was a shame for him considering he’s just signed his deal.
“But we’re really pleased for him, he loves playing here, he’s been a great player within the squad over these last number of years.
“He’s maybe not played as much as what he would have liked, but his heart’s very much here and I’m delighted for him that he’s committed to sign.”
Asked if he could also be out of the Killie match, Rodgers said “we’ll have to wait and see”.
The Coatbridge-born defender will remain on the books at the club until 2027.
Speaking to Celtic TV after signing his new deal, Welsh said: “Signing a new contract for the club that I’ve been brought up on and have supported my whole life was, for me, an easy decision to stay at the club for another four years at least hopefully.
“It’s time for me to kick on now and hopefully I can have a few good seasons.”
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