Martin O’Neill believes Alistair Johnston could return to Celtic first-team duty soon after the Hoops boss revealed ‘little setbacks’ in the Canadian’s recovery process.
Johnston was originally injured in Celtic’s draw with Kairat Almaty back in August and was ruled out for 12 weeks with a hamstring problem.
However, a comeback in Celtic’s win over Sturm Graz saw powerful full-back Johnston ruled out again, and here, O’Neill says ‘little setbacks’ mean the defender won’t be available until the end of March.
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When Alistair Johnston returns to fitness, would you pick him over Julian Araujo?
Alistair Johnston’s 10-day Celtic injury setback
Celtic’s injury problems have been a nightmare this season, but it seems, at least, Johnston is set to alleviate them somewhat as O’Neill drops return timeline.
O’Neill told The Celtic Way, “Back then, we were thinking around the end of March, so it’s this particular month. Now, sometimes the updates vary a little bit.
“Both he and little Callum Osmand, they’ve had a couple of little setbacks, you know, just along in terms of their recuperation.
“So nothing major, nothing, but just little setbacks that take you back another 10 days or something like that.
“So the answer is that I’d be hoping that if we are still in contention, that he (Johnston) would be there for maybe the split or something like that.”
The stats prove Alistair Johnston’s importance to Celtic’s title defence
The Celtic defender’s comeback in the win over Sturm Graz further aggravated Johnston’s injury and if he returns in time for the top-six split, this would be a huge boost for O’Neill.
Because when Johnston is in the Celtic team, the Parkhead club look unstoppable.
- Appearances: 116
- Wins: 89
- Draws: 14
- Losses: 13
Celtic have a win rate of 85% every time Johnston pulls on the green and white Hoops and if the Canadian is back for the top-six split, the chances of retaining the Scottish Premiership title will take a significant boost.
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