Celtic star Alistair Johnston has been dealt another injury setback, and we now know the timescale for his return.
Johnston has spent much of the season out so far having picked up a significant hamstring issue back in August. The right-back struggled with injury throughout last season but returned to play a big part in the league and cup double, and he then enjoyed a successful World Cup with Canada.
Premier League interest emerged, but Celtic kept hold of their reliable right-back. But after an early start to the season, Johnston was ruled out for months with a hamstring issue. On Sunday, he returned to action as Celtic came from behind to beat Hibernian away from home.
But Johnston lasted just 21 minutes after coming off the bench to replace Colby Donovan. Martin O'Neill later confirmed that the defender 'felt something' in the same hamstring and asked to be withdrawn.
O'neill has now confirmed the likely timeline for Johnston's return.
“It’ll be a shorter term for him, he believes, and so do the medical team”, O’Neill told Sky Sports. “I can’t see him involved before the international break.”
Johnston will be hoping he can stay on track over the coming weeks, having struggled with setbacks during his last bid to return from the issue.
The Celtic games Alistair Johnston will miss
But as things stand, Johnston will miss the clash with Dundee United on Wednesday, Falkirk this weekend, the Europa League clash with Besiktas next Thursday and the Premiership clash with Kilmarnock after that.
That totals four games, and the international break then sets in, meaning he will remain out for Canada. Celtic return to action on November 21 against St Mirren at home, and he will hope to return for that game.
This coming international window will be just the two weeks long, as usual, with the three-week September-October window the only that lasts three weeks during the club season.
Fortunately for the Bhoys, they can call upon Colby Donovan, who won a new contract on Monday having been an excellent deputy for Johnston, already racking up 17 appearances across all competitions.
Celtic also have Jordan Lotomba and Anthony Ralston on that side who can be called upon if needs be.
Add us as a preferred source on Google