Celtic have been dealt a potential injury blow ahead of their Champions League play-off against LASK, with Alistair Johnston reportedly a “major doubt” for next week’s first leg.
9th August 2026; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Alistair Johnston of Celtic
The Canada international was withdrawn at half-time during Sunday’s 5-1 Premiership victory over Kilmarnock after picking up a problem.
Assistant manager Shaun Maloney played down concerns immediately after the game, saying: “He felt a niggle and was taken off as a precaution.”
However, the Scottish Sun now reports that Johnston could be facing a spell on the sidelines, placing his involvement against LASK in serious doubt.
It would be a significant setback for Martin O’Neill, particularly given Johnston’s injury problems last season. The 27-year-old has started Celtic’s opening two league matches this term despite continued transfer interest from Everton.
Celtic welcome LASK to Glasgow next Wednesday before travelling to Austria for the return leg six days later, with a place in the Champions League league phase at stake.
Should Johnston miss out, Anthony Ralston and Colby Donovan are O’Neill’s main options at right-back.
The Hoops must submit their initial squad for the play-off by 11.59pm tonight, although UEFA rules allow them to register up to two additional eligible players before the first leg.
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