Celtic have been hit with a massive blow as star defender Cameron Carter-Vickers has been ruled out for the rest of the season - a piece of news that will undoubtedly raise a few smiles on the blue side of Glasgow.
The American centre-half, long regarded as Celtic’s most consistent and dominant performer since arriving in 2021, has undergone Achilles surgery after hobbling off against Sturm Graz last month.
What initially looked like a lengthy lay-off has now turned into a season-ending nightmare for the Parkhead club.
Interim Celtic boss Martin O’Neill confirmed the scale of the setback, admitting: “We will not see him for the rest of the season.
“It might be April before he’s even on grass.”
He even revealed that Carter-Vickers doesn’t expect to make it back in time for the 2026 World Cup - an indication of just how serious the injury is.
Rangers stars Connor Barron, Liam Kelly and John Souttar will all likely head off to Carter-Vickers’ home nation for FIFA’s showpiece tournament – netting Rangers a healthy windfall – something Celtic may now miss out on.
For Celtic, it is a hammer blow. For Rangers supporters, it is unquestionably significant news. Carter-Vickers has been the one constant in Celtic’s back line for years; the player they can usually rely on when things wobble.
Removing him from the picture for the entire run-in changes the complexion of the title race and the overall balance of their defence.
While Celtic wrestle with an injury list across the pitch, losing the cornerstone of their back four is on a different level.
Since arriving in Glasgow, Carter-Vickers has been the Hoops defensive anchor - physically dominant, aerially strong, and often the difference between dropped points and points gained.
His absence leaves Celtic exposed at precisely the time of year when pressure intensifies and mistakes become costly.
From a Rangers viewpoint, it’s hard to describe this as anything other than a major boost. As Danny Röhl’s side chase momentum and consistency, seeing Celtic lose their defensive lynchpin for the entire season is the kind of news that shifts belief across the city.
Celtic have plenty of problems piling up - none bigger than this one – but Rangers must do their own part in closing the gap and getting back into the title picture. Starting today as Livingston visit Ibrox as the Gers look to make it four league wins on the bounce and close the gap on Celtic to two points before they kick off later in the day.
Rangers can also cut the gap with league leaders Hearts to nine with a win before they face Aberdeen tomorrow at Pittodrie.