Ange Postecoglou has addressed the reason for Cameron Carter-Vickers' omission from the Celtic squad for the Kilmarnock game.

The USA international defender - as well as winger Jota - was not included in the Hoops contingent for the Sunday afternoon visit to Rugby Park. Postecoglou told BBC Sportsound that both players "had pulled up sore last time" they played at the venue.

In their places came Yuki Kobayashi and Sead Haksabanovic, with Tomoki Iwata replacing Aaron Mooy - who made the bench - the only other change to the starting XI.

Postecoglou added to Sky Sports: "[It's a] combination... there's a couple of boys who this pitch doesn't do a great deal for so we've decided to leave them out.

"But it's also to bring some fresh legs in. Tomoki, Haksa and Yuki have all been working hard in training and I think we're going to need some energy today. Hopefully those three can bring that for us."

Celtic Way:

When asked about injuries during Friday's pre-match press conference, Postecoglou replied: "We still have training tomorrow but it is pretty much the status quo. Put it this way, the guys who were injured last week are still unavailable.

"They are edging closer but none will make it back for Sunday."

Anthony Ralston, Liel Abada and Reo Hatate notably missed out in last week's Glasgow Derby win over Rangers but the former made the matchday squad for the trip to Ayrshire. It is his first time in a squad for almost a full month.

Kilmarnock team: Walker, Mayo, Taylor, Wright, Chambers, Armstrong, Donnelly, Watson, Murray, Vassell, Doidge. Subs: Hemming, Dorsett, Alebiosu, Power, Lyons, McInroy, Jones, Robinson, Wales

Celtic team: Hart, Johnston, Kobayashi, Starfelt, Taylor, McGregor, Iwata, O'Riley, Maeda, Kyogo, Haksabanovic. Subs: Bain, Mooy, Turnbull, Oh, Bernabei, Summers, Ralston, Welsh, Vata.

Celtic Way:

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