Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers is back in contention after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an Achilles injury.
The 28-year-old has not featured since October, when he was forced off during Celtic’s Europa League clash with Sturm Graz at Celtic Park. It proved to be his final appearance under Brendan Rodgers before the manager’s departure, leaving Martin O’Neill yet to see the USA international in action since taking charge.
Speaking to Celtic’s YouTube channel, Carter-Vickers has now opened up on the moment he realised the severity of the injury and the long road back to fitness. “At first, I just thought it was cramp,” he said. “I thought I had a bit of cramp in my calf.
"Pretty soon after that, when the physios saw it, they thought it was a rupture in the Achilles, which it turned out to be. At that point, you know it’s going to be a long-term injury.”
The centre-back initially attempted to play on, with Celtic limited to just one substitution option at the time, but the seriousness of the issue quickly became clear.
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What followed was an extended rehabilitation period, with no intention from the club to rush his return despite him making it back onto the training pitch before the end of last season.
“For me, it’s just about understanding that that’s it now. That’s the situation you’re in,” he added. “Just working towards getting back in the best shape and the best way possible.
“Obviously, with this one, I knew it was going to be particularly long. It’s just about focusing on each day and just trying to improve and heal.”
Carter-Vickers also detailed the early stages of his recovery, highlighting how incremental progress became key to maintaining momentum.
“I was in a cast for three weeks and then a boot for eight. You can’t really move your foot in any type of direction at first. Right at the beginning of the rehab, I do get a bit of movement back in my foot.
“Taking that as a win and just being positive about it. Then, obviously, after that you’re chasing the next thing and the next thing.”
