Celtic travel to Tynecastle this afternoon for a huge midday clash against league leaders Hearts. Brendan Rodgers’ side are five points adrift at the top and will be forced into yet another defensive reshuffle after a brutal run of injuries.
Cameron Carter-Vickers has been ruled out for up to five months with an Achilles injury, a devastating blow for Celtic’s most dependable defender. To compound matters, Alistair Johnston lasted just half an hour of his comeback against Sturm Graz before limping off again, leaving Rodgers with a serious headache at the back.
Soccer Football – UEFA Europa League – Celtic v SK Sturm Graz – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – October 23, 2025 Celtic’s Alistair Johnston with Celtic’s Benjamin Nygren as he walks off the pitch to be substituted after sustaining an injury REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
It means Celtic could once again turn to their academy ranks. Colby Donovan, who has already made eight first-team appearances this season, looks set to retain his place after coming on for AJ on Thursday. The young defender has handled himself admirably so far but faces his biggest test yet in the tight, hostile surroundings of Tynecastle.
Alongside him could be Dane Murray. The 22-year-old centre back has made four appearances in all competitions this season, including one in the Scottish Premiership. He’s shown composure beyond his years when called upon but will need every ounce of that maturity if selected this afternoon.
Soccer Football – UEFA Europa League – Celtic v SK Sturm Graz – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – October 23, 2025 Celtic’s Dane Murray during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
The wildcard option for Rodgers is Manchester City loanee Jamhai Simpson-Pusey. The English defender joined Celtic in the summer but has yet to make his debut. Throwing him into such a huge match would be a bold move, though the lack of defensive depth might leave Rodgers with little choice.
Austin Trusty is another candidate, but with both he and Liam Scales being naturally left-footed, pairing them together could disrupt the balance of the defence. It’s a tactical dilemma that highlights the strain Celtic are under right now.
For a team already under pressure to close the gap at the top, the timing could not be worse. Hearts have momentum, confidence, and a crowd ready to pounce on any weakness. Rodgers’ men, bruised and short of options, will have to dig deep to get a result.
Tynecastle is never an easy place to go, but with a patched-up backline and rookies likely to feature, this could be one of the most testing afternoons of Celtic’s season. The game kicks off at 12pm, live on Sky Sports.
