Celtic’s biggest problems in the first half of the season were their lack of squad depth and injuries. With the club signing the likes of Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi, Johnny Kenny and Matt O’Riley this month, they might have gone a long way in taking care of those. But they now face a new issue heading into the upcoming Glasgow Derby, as a number of their key players could be away on international duty when they face the Rangers.

Tom Rogic, who has been one of the most important players in Ange Postecoglou’s side, has already been called up for Australia’s World Cup qualifiers. Kyogo is currently out with an injury but that only increases the chances of Maeda being called up by the Japan national team. And Hatate’s impressive performances might see him get the nod as well.

Amidst all this, the Hoops have been handed out an international boost, as Cameron Carter-Vickers has not been called up by the United States men’s national team.

The USMNT tweeted out their squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers:

Celtic handed international boost before Glasgow Derby vs Rangers

It has been over two years since Carter-Vickers featured for his national team, but after his incredibly impressive performances for Celtic this season, there had been suggestions that the defender could end up making a return to the international stage.

It has not happened this time around, which is a boost for Celtic as Carter-Vickers has easily been the Hoops’ best defender in this campaign till now.

Interestingly, the club will have the opportunity to request the postponement of the match if three or more of their players are away on international duty at that point of time. And if so many key players are unavailable, Celtic should definitely consider taking up the option.