Brendan Rodgers has revealed Reo Hatate and Nat Phillips are nearing full fitness at Celtic - but warned of a longer wait for Marco Tilio and Cameron Carter-Vickers.
The Celtic boss confirmed all four first-team players are in training but eased expectations for Tilio and Carter-Vickers with a longer lay-off expected.
Hatate is back training with Celtic after an injury knock he suffered against Aberdeen while Phillips is involved in training having missed the match against Rangers at Ibrox.
Now, the duo could be in contention to feature at the weekend after Rodgers confirmed positive progress in an interview on Celtic TV.
🎥 Exclusive Interview with the manager, Brendan Rodgers! The boss gives us an injury update as we look ahead to the return of the Celts this weekend with #CELDUN in Paradise! To watch in FULL, subscribe NOW to #CelticTV ⤵️https://t.co/UF5nGiPs6X#CELDUN | @CelticFC |… pic.twitter.com/WhTf6svFOc
— Celtic TV (@CelticTV) September 12, 2023
However, Carter-Vickers won't be back for Celtic until October with Tilio also given a longer timeline before a return to first-team football.
The Celtic boss explained: "Reo Hatate is now back training with the squad, which is great news. His energy has been really good and he has worked really hard since he picked up that injury at Aberdeen,
"I'm really pleased he's back. He is a top midfield player and his mind is really focused now on playing in the team and doing very well.
"Nat Phillips is training with the squad so he'll hopefully be available for the weekend.
"Cameron Carter-Vickers is still a little bit away, he'll be more early October before he is back. But he's out on the grass and working well.
"Marco Tilio again back in with the squad, back training. It's going to take him a little bit of time to get up to speed.
"And then some of the other boys that are a little bit further behind.
"The squad is looking healthier and as we go forward then hopefully the return of some more of these players will be really good for us."
