Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has provided a positive update on Alistair Johnston’s condition after he came off as a substitute in the Bhoys’ goalless draw with Dinamo Zagreb this evening.
The right-back went down injured after a nasty collision in the opening 45. He was resultantly withdrawn at the break, raising several concerns among supporters.
GNK Dinamo Zagreb’s Martin Baturina in action with Celtic’s Alistair Johnston and Nicolas Gerrit Kuhn REUTERS/Antonio Bronic
With a crucial Premier Sports Cup final against Rangers on the horizon this Sunday, fans were fearful Johnston might be sidelined, especially after he looked particularly gutted sitting on the bench.
Hoops boss Rodgers, however, provided an encouraging update on the Canadian’s fitness after tonight’s game, reckoning he could play this weekend.
He said (BBC): “It was his hip flex, nothing muscular, which is good. He was just feeling a bit of pain. At halftime, there was no need to risk that.
“All being well, that’ll settle down in the next couple of days.”
Celtic losing Johnston for Sunday would have been an almighty blow, but if all goes well, he should be fit to play in the Glasgow derby.
It is another pivotal game in the Celts’ ‘ultramarathon’ as they look to secure their first piece of silverware of the season.
Rodgers’ side will need to be much better than tonight if they are to win at the national stadium, with most fans frustrated after a goalless stalemate in Zagreb.
It feels somewhat like two Champions League points were dropped tonight, although, on the other hand, the Parkhead team have taken another step towards the knockout stages.
