Cameron Carter-Vickers is closing in on a return to action for Celtic FC after an Achilles injury wiped out his entire 2025-26 campaign. The US international defender’s recovery represents a significant boost for interim manager Martin O’Neill as the club prepares for the 2026-27 season.
Carter-Vickers has been sidelined since October 2025, missing every competitive minute of the current campaign. His absence, alongside that of teammate Jota, left Celtic navigating the season without two key players.
O’Neill’s cautious optimism
Martin O’Neill confirmed in late March 2026 that both Carter-Vickers and Jota would miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season. That news, while disappointing at the time, was always framed as part of a longer recovery plan aimed at having the defender fit for the start of the new campaign.
By May 2026, O’Neill’s tone had shifted to something more encouraging. The interim boss stated there were “no worries or issues” regarding squad fitness, while highlighting Carter-Vickers’ determination to get back on the pitch.
