Hamstring injury update on Iheanacho and Johnston

Brendan Rodgers spoke to the media following Celtic’s massive 2-1 victory over SK Sturm Graz, expressing both satisfaction with the result and concern over new injury setbacks that tempered the significance of the Europa League win…

Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic is taken off the pitch after being seen to by medical staff during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Celtic FC and SK Sturm Graz at Celtic Park on October 23, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Rodgers watched his team overturn an early deficit to secure their first Europa League victory of the campaign, though the three points was marred by first-half injuries to Alistair Johnston and Kelechi Iheanacho.

The injuries undoubtedly unsettled Celtic’s rhythm early on in the game, compelling the Hoops boss to make two substitutions before half-time.

Alistair Johnston of Celtic looks dejected as he is substituted off the pitch during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Celtic FC and SK Sturm Graz at Celtic Park on October 23, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Johnston seemed to pull his hamstring again, while Iheanacho limped off after two minutes after chasing a ball played by the injured Celtic right-back.

Rodgers adopted a subdued tone in his post-match comments when asked about Johnston and Iheanacho’s injuries, admitting that could disrupt his preparations for the upcoming Scottish Premiership top of the table clash with Hearts.

With Celtic already coping with a stretched squad, the potential absence of two important players would only give Hoops boss more unnecessary headaches.

Arne Engels of Celtic celebrates at full time during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Celtic FC and SK Sturm Graz at Celtic Park on October 23, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Rodgers offered a brief but revealing update, conceding that the initial outlook for both players appeared worrying. Further medical evaluations today are set to determine how long the Celtic duo will be absent for.

Speaking via TNT Sports, Rodgers said: “The first two doesn’t look great, it looks like hamstring. But okay, that’s what happens.”

"I thought we were outstanding… and much more like we would have wanted" 👏

Brendan Rodgers praises his Celtic players for a character-filled comeback and provides an injury update on key players.

🎙️ @missconniemac

📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/pZsJ1HVj5S

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 23, 2025

With the visit to Tynecastle fast approaching, the injuries come at a particularly inconvenient moment for the Scottish champions.

The likes of Colby Donovan, Anthony Ralston and Johnny Kenny may have to be called on again in Edinburgh this weekend. The availability of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Daizen Maeda remains uncertain.

Despite the injuries, Celtic’s victory last night was a big one in the context of their Europa League season. They will now travel to Denmark in two weeks time to face the competition’s table-toppers Midtjylland but will be confident of getting a result and staying in those elusive top 24 places.

Conor Spence

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