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Brendan Rodgers Provides Alistair Johnston Injury Timeline; Celtic Will Replace From Within | Latest Celtic News
August 22, 2025
Celtic have been dealt a significant blow with confirmation that Alistair Johnston will be sidelined for around 12 weeks following the injury he sustained against Kairat Almaty.
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Soccer Football - Scottish Premiership - Celtic v Kilmarnock - Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - April 12, 2025 Celtic's Alistair Johnston arrives at the stadium before the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
The right-back was stretchered off in the first half of the Champions League qualifier at Celtic Park after pulling up off the ball, and now manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed the diagnosis, a long-term absence that will keep the Canadian out until at least November.
Rodgers: Johnston out for 'about 12...
Speaking to media, Rodgers revealed he will be looking internally to cover Johnston’s position, rather than immediately rushing into the market for a replacement. That means the likes of Anthony Ralston and possibly Colby Donovan may be called upon to fill the gap in the coming weeks.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the manager said: “Not great, he’ll probably be about 12 weeks, so yeah, he obviously had his scan yesterday, so yeah, it’s disappointing for him because he’s come back and started well, so that’s where we’re at.
“I think when you lose any player, especially of that calibre, then, of course, it is a disappointment, but it’ll provide an opportunity for someone to step in.
“We know we have Tony, I’ve got young Colby Donovan, who, as a young player here, has really impressed me over the time I’ve been back here.
“In this last 12 months, he’s made great strides, so yeah, it’s always an opportunity for someone. But, of course, for Ali, we just want to make sure that we’re in a really good position in all competitions when he gets back.
“It’s my first look. My first look is always inside and that’s something that will gain more clarity over the next week or so, but that’s certainly my first look.”
It’s a huge blow for both player and club. Johnston had only recently returned to full fitness and was beginning to re-establish himself as a key part of the backline. His injury comes at a time when Celtic are already thin on depth in several areas, particularly across the back four.
Rodgers has been clear about the need for reinforcements this summer, but Johnston’s absence now forces the manager to reshuffle again, with the derby looming and the Champions League tie finely poised ahead of Tuesday’s second leg in Kazakhstan.
Celtic’s decision not to strengthen earlier in the window has come under increasing scrutiny, and the pressure will only intensify now that one of the club’s most reliable performers is ruled out for the next three months.
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