Rodgers to move for defensive signing following triple injury blow

Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Celtic are on the hunt to sign another defender before the conclusion of the transfer window.

Celtic have had an unfortunate past few months with injuries. With the recent announcement that three of Celtic’s centre-backs will be out for the next eight weeks, Brendan Rodgers must be worried about his squad depth in defence. Cameron Carter-Vickers, Maik Nawrocki, and Steven Welsh are set to miss the next two months of Celtic’s campaign due to injury.

20th August 2023; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, Scotland: Scottish Viaplay Cup Football, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Liam Scales of Celtic, Gustaf Lagerbielke of Celtic and Maik Nawrocki of Celtic

With this in mind, Rodgers has revealed that he is on the lookout for another defender to boost the defensive cover. Speaking at a press conference earlier today, Rodgers gave an injury update, where he said…

“It’s disappointing for us in terms of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Maik Nawrocki and Stephen Welsh, will probably be about eight weeks. Stephen had an operation just the other day and he’s come through that well, the other two we hoped would be back sooner but the scans on them puts them at probably about eight weeks from now.

“Reo Hatate and Kobayashi will be back during the international break, Mikey Johnston and Oh will be back in training next week. Alistair Johnston is back, which is good news for us, he has trained well and will be available for the weekend.”

Aberdeen v Celtic – cinch Premiership – Pittodrie Stadium Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers in the sideline during the cinch Premiership match at the Pittodrie Sunday August 13, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh

When asked about defensive cover, Rodgers added…

“It is something we have to look at, there’s no doubt that it’s an area that we are light on. When you are losing three players for that length of time and knowing the amount of games that we will have, and the importance of every game, then it is definitely something we have to look at.”

Finally, Rodgers revealed that he is looking to bring in some high-quality players to improve some positions in the squad. He said…

“We will do that before the end of the window. We are hoping to get that done over the coming days. We need to improve the squad, there is confirmation on any names at the minute, lots of names have been floated about, so as soon we sign anyone we will let you know.”

Here’s Brendan Rodgers speaking to the media today ahead of the match against St Johnstone on Saturday…

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1 Comment

  1. FFS its obviously Rogers who has created this issue with his methods / Training
    Last year and previous we had minimal players injured
    Now we have almost ALL 1st pick players either unhappy or injured
    BIG MISTAKE bringing him back
    hopefully I’m wrong
    Keep the faith
    HH