Celtic suffer Alistair Johnston injury blow

A report in the Sun claims that Alistair Johnston looks set to miss the start of the season.

There is no great detail to the story but it does come from former Celtic View reporter David Friel who is reliable on Celtic matters, especially injuries.

Johnston suffered an ankle injury in the Scottish Cup semi-final win at Hampden on April 30, after the final whistle he was celebrating on his crutches.

Four weeks later he played in the final SPFL match at home to Aberdeen then completed his Scottish medal collection against Inverness Caley Thistle.

It had been a year round season for the defender who started at Montreal, played at the World Cup Finals then represented Canada against Panama and the United States on June 16 and 19.

Last night The Sun reported:

ALISTAIR JOHNSTON looks set to miss the start of Celtic’s season. The injured Canada right-back has yet to begin training with Brendan Rodgers’ squad.

Johnston could miss key games when the Hoops begin their title defence. The 24-year-old suffered an ankle injury in the Scottish Cup semi- final against Rangers in April but recovered for the final victory against Inverness.

Johnston then went on international duty and started games against Panama and the USA, but he came off after an hour against the States and coach John Herdman later admitted he was still “carrying an injury”. Four weeks on, Johnston has not returned to training.

Tony Ralston has been a very reliable back-up for Johnston and Josip Juranovic over the last two seasons but the Canadian is clear first choice.

There has been no comment from Celtic on the extent of the injury but missing out on pre-season training is always a concern.

Cameron Carter-Vickers is the other injury concern with the former Spurs man also spending part of the winter at the World Cup Finals, as did the recently retired Aaron Mooy.