Celtic Face Alistair Johnston Injury Setback

Celtic are braced to be without Alistair Johnston until November, a significant blow just as the season begins to take shape.

The Canadian defender limped out at half-time of Celtic’s emphatic 5-0 win over Kilmarnock in the second league game of the campaign, pointing to a hamstring issue. At the time, Assistant Manager Shaun Maloney played down the problem at Rugby Park, but the mood has darkened since.

Earlier this week, it emerged that the club did not expect Johnston to feature again until around November, with the damage worse than first suggested. Now Sun Sport reports that scan results have confirmed a lengthy lay-off, leaving Celtic to rethink their plans on the right side of defence.

O’Neill pushed into transfer call

Johnston’s absence drags Martin O’Neill straight into a transfer-window decision. Celtic are already in talks over Niko Sigur of Hajduk Split, a player who can operate both at right back and as a defensive midfielder. Those two positions sit high on the club’s list for reinforcements, and Johnston’s injury only sharpens that need.

The pressure on recruitment is clear. Last season, when Johnston was sidelined, Celtic struggled to find consistent answers at right back. They cannot afford a repeat with domestic and European demands stacking up.

Donovan steps up, but depth still thin

One player has seized the moment. Colby Donovan delivered a standout performance against LASK, staking a serious claim for the shirt. O’Neill’s decision to start the 19-year-old ahead of Tony Ralston underlined how highly the manager rates him.

With no immediate senior replacement through the door, Donovan is expected to continue in the role. He has earned that trust. His energy and composure give Celtic a live option on the flank while Johnston recovers.

But one emerging talent does not solve the wider issue. Celtic still need numbers and proven quality in that area of the pitch.

Market options on the table

The report also links Celtic with Yuki Sugawara of Southampton, who is understood to be available. Alongside Sigur, he represents another potential route to shoring up a vulnerable position.

Sigur, though, might offer the most practical solution. His versatility would allow O’Neill to plug gaps both in defence and in midfield, giving Celtic flexibility in a long season where injuries and suspensions will bite.

Donovan’s rise is a welcome surprise. Johnston’s absence is anything but. How Celtic navigate the next few weeks in the market could define what this team looks like by the time their first-choice right back finally returns.