Hearts v Celtic – “We know it’s on the line on Sunday,” James Forrest | OneFootball

James Forrest says that despite the injuries, Celtic still have enough quality in the squad to catch Hearts…

Celtic v Motherwell Scottish Premiership 05/10/2025. James Forrest 49 – Celtic arrives ahead of the match between Celtic and Motherwell at Celtic Park on 5 October 2025. Photo Raymond Davies PSI

Celtic have been hit hard by injuries, with the biggest setback being Cameron Carter-Vickers potentially sidelined for up to five months due to a torn Achilles.

Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alistair Johnston, and Kelechi Iheanacho will all miss Sunday’s clash against league leaders Hearts at Tynecastle, while Daizen Maeda remains a serious injury concern.

Despite the trio of injuries suffered on Thursday night against SK Sturm Graz, Forrest is confident the Scottish champions have the depth to close the five-point gap on Hearts.

Jack Iredale of Hibernian shields the ball from James Forrest of Celtic Celtic v Hibernian, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, – 27 September 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock

Speaking via The Herald, Forrest said: “We have got a squad full of international players and players that have been there and done it as well. It’s good for the manager as well that he knows he’s got players there to cover for the guys that are out.

Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic is taken off the pitch after being seen to by medical staff during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Celtic FC and SK Sturm Graz at Celtic Park on October 23, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“It’s not an excuse. I think every team, every manager will have problems throughout the season. It’s just unlucky for us we’ve got a couple out now. Obviously, every game is massive for Celtic, but we know it’s on the line on Sunday. We’re just going to need to work hard and get through this tough period.”

Alistair Johnston of Celtic looks dejected as he is substituted off the pitch during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Celtic FC and SK Sturm Graz at Celtic Park on October 23, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The 34 year-old added: “Everybody knows the worst part of football is getting injured and obviously a long-term injury as well. All the lads will be right behind him the full time he’s out, but he’s a real strong character as well. No doubt he’ll come back and he’ll come back strong.

Cameron Carter-Vickers of Celtic on the ground with suspected injury at full-time. Final score Celtic 2 Sturm Graz 1. Celtic v Sturm Graz, UEFA Europa League, Group Stage, Celtic Park, 23 October 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock

“Everyone rates him so highly and he just always goes about his business. He’s quiet and he’s a hard worker, but his quality on the pitch is obviously unreal, you look at what he’s done for Celtic since he’s been here.

“Now everyone will be desperate for him to have a speedy recovery,” Forrest continued. “Ali is another similar character to Carter Vickers. Since he’s come into Celtic he’s been unbelievable and every time he plays he gives the team so much. So obviously we’re disappointed for him and hopefully it’s not too long before he’s back.”

Meanwhile James Forrest joined Anthony Ralston and Celtic captain Callum McGregor at Barrowfields yesterday afternoon to see the new facility up and running and to speak to Sky Sports to preview Sunday’s game against Hearts at Tynecastle. You can watch how that went below…

Conor Spence

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Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books

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