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Celtic face anxious wait on key star’s fitness for Rangers clash as he misses training at Lennoxtown

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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will be putting the final touches to his side’s preparations ahead of facing Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup final this weekend.

Turning their focus to the prize at stake after the Bhoys recorded a goalless draw away to Dinamo Zagreb in midweek, there is plenty of speculation surrounding who the Irishman could look to start at Hampden.

Brendan Rodgers has several Celtic selection dilemmas to mull over before taking on Rangers. However, supporters will need to wait until his press conference later today for an update on availability at the national stadium.

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Photo by DAMIR SENCAR/AFP via Getty Images

It goes without saying that Celtic won’t want to encounter any last-minute injury concerns with so much on the line this weekend. Routine domestic fixtures allow more room for manoeuvre regarding squad management, but that doesn’t extend to cup finals.

That being said, the Bhoys may now face a race against time concerning one of their key men amid recent developments at Lennoxtown.

Alistair Johnston posted missing at Lennoxtown

Per Sky Sports, Celtic star Alistair Johnston wasn’t present this morning at Lennoxtown as his side continue to prepare for their chance at silverware this weekend.

The Canadian star limped off against Dinamo Zagreb with a hip flexor problem, but supporters will now be waiting on Rodgers’ update with bated breath this afternoon.

Despite the squad otherwise seeming settled, question marks exist over Johnston’s availability and there may be a strain of thought that wanders to potential contingency plans.

Anthony Ralston would be the likely deputy to come in despite a lack of minutes this season at club level for Celtic.

Celtic fans won’t need to wait long for clarity

Rodgers is due to speak to the media today, and there is no doubt that anticipation for his press conference will now be heightened amid the latest snippet from the Celtic camp.

Realistically, there is always going to be a little bit of late drama in relation to squad availability, and context is needed, considering the Bhoys still have another day of training scheduled.

For now, there is no reason to panic just yet. 67 Hail Hail will inform supporters on any further developments.