Celtic did not put in a good performance against Dinamo Zagreb. It was a game that was there to be one but the Hoops could manage only one shot on goal despite having nearly 70 per cent possession. It did not only feel like two points dropped in a tight race for the Champions League playoffs but it was also bad preparation for the upcoming Scottish League Cup final against the Rangers.
Celtic and the Rangers will face each other at Hampden Park at the weekend. Unfortunately for the Hoops, the availability of Alistair Johnston for the game is in doubt.
Johnston was on the receiving end of a heavy tackle in the game against Dinamo Zagreb and appeared to have picked up a hip issue. He had to be taken off at the break.
Johnston is now in a race against time to be fit for the Scottish League Cup final against the Rangers. And even if he makes the game, it is hard to imagine that he would be in his best physical condition. As reported by the Daily Record, the Celtic right-back said:
"It’s a match that’s circled on the calendar, it’s a match I want to be a part of. It’s a chance to lift a trophy, a big match. So, yes, Sunday’s not far away, but at the same time there’s just enough of a break where I feel like, listen, we’ll see how it goes and hopefully I’ll be ready for it. It was just an awkward one. We’ll do some tests on it and, hopefully, it’s nothing too serious. We’ll see how the flight goes, take it day by day, hour by hour."
Celtic injury worry for League Cup final vs Rangers confirmed
While Johnston's desire to be involved in the final is clear to see, even he seems to recognise that it is far from a certainty. The Canadian international is one of Celtic's best players. So, if he misses out, it would be a blow for Brendan Rodgers' side.
If Johnston failed to make the game, Anthony Ralston would be expected to step in in his place. The Scottish international is a steady presence at the back for sure and perhaps could do a job this weekend, especially given the occasion.
The performance against Dinamo Zagreb will not fill the fans with confidence either. The midfield seemed disjointed and the forward line failed to cause much trouble to the opposition.