Returning for his second spell in the Celtic Park hot seat, Brendan Rodgers surely would have wanted to have his best players available from the get go in order to make a bright start to the campaign. But it looks like one of the Hoops’ key stars could end up missing the beginning of the upcoming season.
The player in question is none other than Alistair Johnston. The Canadian right-back has done a tremendous job replacing Josip Juranovic for Celtic, after arriving in the middle of the previous campaign.
That has led to him being a nailed on starter for the club. He would suffer an injury in a match against the Rangers last season though.
And while he was able to take part in the Scottish Cup final against Inverness Caledonian Thistle and played a couple of games for the Canada national team as well, it looks like Johnston has not fully recovered yet. So much so that he is not even training at the moment.
Celtic suffer injury blow with key player out of action
As reported by The Scottish Sun, Johnston looks set to miss the start of Celtic’s season. The Canadian right-back is yet to begin training with Rodgers’ squad.
Johnston has been superb ever since arriving from CF Montreal in the previous January transfer window. Thus, him being out of action is a worry for Rodgers without doubt. One can only hope that he recovers as quickly as possible. Until then, Anthony Ralston is expected to fill in for him.
Ralston has done a decent job when given the chance and is a good cover option to have around. Thus, one would expect him to do well in the absence of Johnston. But there is very little doubt about who the club’s best right-back is and fans will be hoping to see him back on the pitch as soon as possible.