Celtic did not earn its first UEFA Champions League victory of the season, but did get its top defensive option back in the squad.

Cameron Carter-Vickers made his first appearance since mid-August, logging 28 minutes in Celtic’s 2-1 home UCL loss to Lazio. The U.S. men’s national team defender had been sidelined due to a hamstring injury that he suffered against Aberdeen on Aug. 13.

Carter-Vickers replaced Nat Phillips in the 62nd minute at Celtic Park, but could not help the Hoops avoid defeat against their Serie A opponents. Veteran winger Pedro pickpocketed Carter-Vickers just outside of the Celtic box before eventually heading home Matteo Guendouzi’s cross in stoppage time.

He won four duels, made two interceptions, and six recoveries in only his third appearance of the season.

Carter-Vickers was stellar for Celtic last season, logging 39 combined appearances and one goal under former manager Ange Postecoglou. He earned SPFL Best XI and PFA Scotland Best XI honors for the treble-winning side as Celtic captured the Premiership title, along with the League Cup and FA Cup.

Celtic hosts Kilmarnock on Saturday in its final match before the October international break. They are four points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership table and still have four UCL group stage matches to play this fall.