Cameron Carter-Vickers is playing through the pain barrier and could go under the knife, according to a report.
The Daily Record state he could be set for surgery after next weekend's Scottish Cup semi-final clash with Rangers. The USA international has been one of Ange Postecoglou's top performers despite the injury issue but may not see out the season in order to be fighting fit for the start of the new campaign.
The key defender - who signed permanently from Tottenham following a loan spell - has struck up a strong partnership with Carl Starfelt in the heart of the backline. The Hoops have already bagged the League Cup with the Premiership title all but secured with a 12 point cushion between the champions and Michael Beale's Light Blues.
READ MORE: Earliest date Celtic can win the title as Hoops take another step towards Premiership crown
Carter-Vickers was left out of the squad for the game against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park at the weekend with the surface in Ayrshire coming into consideration. That handed a rare chance to January recruit Yuki Kobayashi, who could see an extended run in the team should the 25-year-old not see out the remainder of the season.
The same report says the Parkhead medical team will monitor the player closely before deciding on his involvement for the rest of the season beyond that last four Old Firm clash. He could return to face Motherwell this weekend before the Hampden blockbuster on April 29.
The centre-back has been a key figure this season featuring in 37 games in all competitions including Champions League outings against the likes of Real Madrid.
He was also part of the USA squad at the World Cup finals in Qatar playing the full 90 minutes of their 1-0 win over Iran in the group stages. However, he was left on the bench for the games with Wales and England before the knockout round defeat to the Netherlands.
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