Alistair Johnston was absent from Celtic training today ahead of Sunday’s Premier Sports League Cup Final against theRangers…
The Scottish Champions face their Glasgow rivals for the first piece of silverware of the campaign but could be without one of their first names on the teamsheet.
Johnston was substituted at half time during the UEFA Champions League draw away in Zagreb after being on the receiving end on a clumsy challenge from midfielder Cog. The tackle caused an issue with the defender’s hip, forcing Tony Ralston to replace him for the second half.
Now, Sky Sports are reporting that the player’s agent met was not in attendance at Lennoxtown as preparations for Sunday continue.
❌ No Alistair Johnston at Celtic training ahead of Sunday’s League Cup final vs Rangers.
Will he be fit for the Hampden showdown? 🔽 pic.twitter.com/e0Xq3h3PPS
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) December 13, 2024
In his post match comments, Brendan downplayed the injury insisting that it wasn’t on the muscle. This absence could be explained as being a precaution by the manager as he looks to ensure that the player doesn’t pick up any other knocks.
If AJ isn’t fit, Celtic will be confident given that they have Scotland Internationalist Ralston in reserve. The right back will be eager to show that he’s more than a squad player if given the nod by the manager.
And theRangers have their own injury concerns from the midweek European football. John Souttar and Hamza Igamane were both subbed off during the course of their game against Tottenham Hotspur. Souttar had a suspected knee issue, which appeared to be caused by a pass and not a challenge. The manner that Souttar went down will concern the Rangers support, especially given that he’s formed a partnership with Leon Balogun.
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