Brendan Rodgers spoke to the press on Friday as he provided an Alistair Johnston injury update.
Johnston had to be substituted off during the first-half of Celtic’s 0-0 draw with Kairat Almaty in the Champions League play-off first leg on Wednesday.
The Canadian pulled up clutching his hamstring and went to ground before medics brought out the stretcher and carried him off the pitch.
Celtic fans have been waiting to hear the extent of the injury ever since, and now Rodgers has revealed the timeline for Johnston’s return.
- READ MORE: Brendan Rodgers told he is ‘flying under the radar’ after Celtic’s draw with Kairat Almaty
Celtic’s Johnston injured for four months
Rodgers confirmed his first choice right-back will be sidelined for around four months, meaning he may not return to the pitch until the end of the year.
The Northern Irishman said: “Not great, he’ll probably be about 12 weeks. So yeah, he obviously had his scan yesterday. It’s disappointing for him because he’s come back and started well, so that’s where we’re at.
“I think when you lose any player, especially of that calibre, then of course, it is a disappointment, but it’ll provide an opportunity for someone to step in.
“We know we have Tony (Anthony Ralston), I’ve got young Colby Donovan, who, as a young player here, has really impressed me over the time I’ve been back here.
“In this last 12 months, he’s made great strides, so yeah, it’s always an opportunity for someone. But, of course, for Ali, we just want to make sure that we’re in a really good position in all competitions when he gets back.
“It’s my first look. My first look is always inside and that’s something that will gain more clarity over the next week or so, but that’s certainly my first look.”
Adam Idah and Auston Trusty also injured
Rodgers sadly also had to confirm that striker Adam Idah is struggling with a knee injury, while Auston Trusty will be out for a period with a foot problem.
The Celtic boss said: “Adam Idah is struggling with his knee. Auston Trusty could be out for a bit with the plantar fasciitis that he has had.”
It’s awful timing for Celtic given the magnitude of next Tuesday’s Champions League play-off second leg against Kairat Almaty.
The trio of Johnston, Idah and Trusty will join Jota in the Parkhead treatment room as injuries pile up for the first time this season.
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