Hopefully AJ absence from training at Lennoxtown is just precautionary and he’ll be ready for the Premier Sports League Cup Final on Sunday…
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![Paulo Bernardo]()
- Celtic midfielder Paulo Bernardo in training yesterday ahead of the Premier Sports Cup Final against theRangers. Photo Celtic FC
Alistair Johnston didn’t train with his Celtic teammates today after sustaining a knock in the 0-0 draw in Zagreb on Tuesday evening.
The Canadian international was taken off at half time against Dinamo Zagreb after looking somewhat distressed after making a challenge towards the end of the first half. His failure to re-appear after the interval had Celtic supporters thinking the worst with Sunday’s Premier Sports League cup final fast approaching.
No update has been given, but his absence from training has supporters now fearing the worst. It could however just be a precautionary measure, and AJ could well indeed still be fit for Sunday. He’s such an important part of our side and it would be a big blow to go into the game without the Canadian international in Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Tony Ralston is a more than capable replacement, but it wouldn’t be disrespectful to the Scottish international to say that AJ is the first choice for a reason. Johnston not only gives us a physical presence, he’s got amazing energy and stamina and is a vital part of our defence, while being a threat going forward.
His partnership with Nicolas Kuhn is also vital to the way Celtic hurts teams this season and the manager will be desperate to have that pairing down the right wing against theRangers at Hampden Park on Sunday.
Here’s hoping his exclusion from training is nothing more than a precaution. Brendan will no-doubt update us at his media conference which will probably be held at the National Stadium this afternoon.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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