Celtic's Alistair Johnston is a major doubt for the Champions League play-off first leg against LASK due to a niggle. The Canadian right-back was substituted at half-time during Sunday's 5-1 win at Kilmarnock.
What happened?
Celtic's assistant manager, Shaun Maloney, said that Johnston felt a niggle and was taken off as a precaution. Johnston, who missed much of last season with a hamstring injury, played a key role in helping his side secure the title.
Why it matters for Celtic
The Scottish Sun has reported that Johnston is now facing a potential spell on the sidelines, which would be a setback for Martin O'Neill ahead of the crucial European matches. Celtic will host LASK in Glasgow next Wednesday, with the return match in Austria six days later.
What comes next?
If Johnston is ruled out, Anthony Ralston and Colby Donovan are in line to cover at right-back. Celtic have to register their initial Champions League squad by 11.59 today (Thursday, August 13), but can still add two more players before Wednesday's first leg. League standing: 1st in Premiership, 6 pts, 2W-0D-0L from 2 games, recent form WW. Goals this season: 6 scored, 1 conceded (+5 goal difference). Next fixture: vs Dundee Utd (away, 2026-12-30) (11th in the table).
