Rodgers gives updates on Celtic’s pre-season with key injury returns

Brendan Rodgers provided updates on the fitness of Reo Hatate and Cameron Carter-Vickers as they recover from injuries. 

Hatate missed Celtic’s final two matches last season due to an injury sustained at Pittodrie, while concerns arose about Carter-Vickers potentially facing time on the sidelines.

Rodgers addressed these concerns, stating that Carter-Vickers had issues toward the end of the previous season, leading to a necessary operation. 

He also noted that the recovery timeline meant Carter-Vickers would miss about a week but has resumed training and should be ready in the coming weeks. 

Regarding Hatate, Rodgers expressed disappointment over the midfielder’s setback, mentioning that he received a few extra days of rest but is expected to return soon and be in good condition.

Rodgers also confirmed that Celtic legend James Forrest is fit and available for selection, set to travel with the squad to Ireland for a pre-season match against Cork City. 

However, he cautioned that the game at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh would likely be too soon for Benjamin Nygren and Kieran Tierney to feature.

This update follows Celtic’s 1–0 win over Queen’s Park in their first pre-season match of the 2025/26 campaign, with Johnny Kenny scoring the decisive goal in the first half. The victory marked a positive start for the Scottish champions as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The focus on player recovery and squad readiness highlights Celtic’s efforts to ensure key players like Hatate, Carter-Vickers, and Forrest are prepared for competitive action, while managing the timelines of others like Nygren and Tierney. 

With the pre-season underway, Rodgers is balancing squad integration and fitness to build momentum for the challenges ahead in the Scottish Premiership and beyond.