Celtic received a bit of an injury blow earlier this week when Mohamed Elyounoussi had to pull out of the Norway squad due to a foot injury, meaning he missed the games against Malta and the Faroe Islands.
Elyounoussi has been in excellent form for the Hoops recently, and the club will be hoping that his injury isn’t a bad one.
However, Celtic do have a replacement for the player on their books, that player is Mikey Johnston. However, he also has had injury issues recently. The Evening Times recently reported that he had to pull out of Scotland’s under-21 squad.
Ideal candidate to replace loanee
If Johnston can get himself fit, then he would be the ideal candidate to replace Elyounoussi in the Hoops side. However, he has not played for Celtic since the 2-0 win over Rangers in September. That is over two months ago.
His absence has allowed Elyounoussi to take his place in the first-team. The on-loan Southampton man has thrived in Johnston’s absence.
It would be best for Celtic in the long run if Johnston established himself in the team. After all, he is a Celtic player, not one who is on loam. However, his injury problems are preventing him from doing that.
Who will start next league fixture?
It will be interesting to see who gets the nod to start for Celtic against Livingston on Saturday. Should Johnston be fit, then he should return to the side.
It would be a bonus for the player, and the team. It would also give Johnston the chance to show Neil Lennon that he deserves to be a first-team regular once again.
If Johnston can get himself fit, then Elyounoussi’s injury gives him a real chance to get into the Celtic side. However, having two excellent players competing for one position in the Celtic side can only be good for the team overall.
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