Celtic suffer 'huge blow' over £39k-a-week duo before RB Leipzig | OneFootball

Celtic potentially being without both Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt for their clash against RB Leipzig is a ‘huge blow’, according to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph.

The Hoops’ first-choice centre-back pairing are both major injury doubts heading into their Champions League encounter at the Red Bull Arena, leaving manager Ange Postecoglou short of options.

What is the latest news involving Celtic?

Carter-Vickers has been absent from Celtic’s last two matchday squads against St Mirren and Motherwell, but Postecoglou indicated he may be able to make his return against Leipzig.

“Cameron though is a day-to-day proposition, it’s certainly not something that will keep him out long or even medium term,” said the Greek-Australian tactician.

“At the moment, he is doing individual training, so we’ll see how he is after the weekend and then make our decision about RB Leipzig in midweek.”

Meanwhile, Starfelt has been absent since the 4-0 thrashing of fierce rivals Rangers back on September 3, and Postecoglou didn’t give much away when asked about his condition ahead of the international break.

"We’ll just wait and see,” the 57-year-old said. “He’s still in rehab, so we’ll see how he is potentially after the break."

What has Joseph said about Celtic?

Jospeh has told GiveMeSport that he believes the duo, who earn a combined £39,000-per-week, will be noticeable absences against Leipzig.

He said: “Carter-Vickers especially because they are also missing Starfelt, and when you've got your two first-choice centre backs out, that's obviously a blow, and Celtic really are looking towards the depth in their squads.

“And that's why they brought in (Moritz) Jenz, and that's why they kept Stephen Welsh because they trust him, and this is their chance to shine.

“But there's no doubt that losing Sweden and the USA’s first-choice centre-backs, and your centre-back partnership that formed last year, is a huge blow.”

Who will replace Carter-Vickers and Starfelt?

As Joseph alluded to, Moritz Jenz and Stephen Welsh are Celtic’s only fit senior centre-backs are currently in line to feature from the off once again when they take on Leipzig.

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The duo have started alongside each other during the Glasgow giants’ last two outings, leaking three goals and suffering one defeat in those encounters.

That will surely worry a large section of the Celtic supporters given the level of opposition they are set to take on in a crucial Champions League clash, and they’ll be hoping for some improved performances.