Cameron Carter-Vickers is reportedly facing an injury sweat ahead of Celtic's Scottish Cup semi-final clash with Rangers.
The USA international is said to have been playing through the pain barrier this season, suffering from a knee problem.
The 25-year-old has been a mainstay in Ange Postecoglou's backline, impressing greatly in the majority of the club's games this term.
However, according to the Daily Record, Carter-Vickers is scheduled for surgery after the Hampden showpiece.
It is believed this is so that the centre-back is fit and ready for the beginning of next term.
The report states that the Hoops' medical team will monitor the American's progress as they consider what part, if any, he will likely play for the club in the top six post-split matches.
CCV missed out on Celtic's 4-1 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park last weekend with Kobayashi deputising.
But he could potentially return this weekend at home to Motherwell with the clash against the Ibrox club on the horizon on April 30.
Celtic are 12 points clear of Rangers at the top of the Premiership.
Carter-Vickers' absence could potentially provide a sustained run in the team for Yuki Kobayashi, who was an able deputy at Rugby Park on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Postecoglou is confident Celtic are ‘ready’ to deliver another strong transfer window.
The Parkhead manager knows the areas he wants to strengthen this summer as he aims to consolidate his team’s place as the Premiership’s top side. Celtic are 12 points clear of Rangers at the league summit and could yet complete a treble before the end of the campaign – they will face their Ibrox rivals at Hampden for a place in the Scottish Cup final later this month.
Postecoglou has been agile in the transfer market since his arrival in 2021 and insists he is also prepared for the possibility of key players attracting interest from other clubs. He admits there is always an element of the unknown in that regard, but he has not been reticent to move popular players on when the time is considered right.
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