It doesn’t look like good news for Alistair Johnston.
Johnston started Celtic’s Champions League play-off first leg tie against Kairat Almaty but had his night cut short in the 36th minute.
The full-back went down unchallenged with a muscle injury and had to be stretchered off and replaced by Anthony Ralston.
With the second leg in Kazakhstan and the first Glasgow derby of the season to come next week, the timing couldn’t be worse.
Alistair Johnston spotted with crutches after Celtic injury
After leaving the pitch to receive treatment, images of Johnston surfaced in the second half but it didn’t bring any extra positivity.
Sadly, footage from TNT Sports showed that the Canada international was sat in the dugout but with crutches by his side, indicating that it could be something more serious for the defender.
After the game, Brendan Rodgers provided an update on Johnston and although he didn’t confirm the length of time he would be out, hinted that it would be a while.
“It’s the hamstring,” he said while grimacing before adding how well he had been playing.
Who would replace Alistair Johnston?
Ralston is the natural replacement for Johnston in the right-back slot.
It’s a role that the 26-year-old is used to playing and one he can cope with the demands of without any complaints.
Youngster Colby Donovan may end up staying after all after Dundee looked at loaning Donovan for the season.
Other than that, it may mean that one of the centre-back options is forced to slot into the role.
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