NafisaCeltic handed Alistair Johnston injury concern after 5-1 thrashing of Kilmarnock as Shaun Maloney provides update
Celtic’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park came at a slight cost, with Alistair Johnston forced off at half-time after reporting a problem during the opening 45 minutes.
The Canadian international had started at right-back and played his part in a hugely impressive first-half display from Brendan Rodgers’ side, who raced into a three-goal lead before the interval.
However, Johnston did not emerge for the second half, with Colby Donovan introduced in his place.
The decision immediately raised concerns among the travelling Celtic support, particularly given Johnston’s importance to the team and his regular role on the right side of the defence.
But Shaun Maloney moved to provide some reassurance after the match, explaining that Celtic’s medical and coaching staff simply did not want to take any unnecessary risks with the defender.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Maloney said: “Just a precaution, I hope. We’ll find out in the next couple of days.
“He was brilliant in the first half. He just mentioned he felt something. We didn’t take any risks.”
Those comments will come as a major relief to Celtic supporters following what was otherwise a near-perfect afternoon for the Scottish champions.
Celtic refused to take any chances with Johnston
Johnston has established himself as a regular in Celtic’s defence and had started both of the club’s opening league fixtures of the season.
His early withdrawal therefore naturally sparked concern, but the circumstances surrounding the substitution are encouraging.
Celtic were already three goals ahead when Johnston reported the issue, meaning there was absolutely no reason for the coaching staff to gamble with his fitness.
Rather than asking him to continue and potentially turning a minor problem into something more serious, Celtic opted to make the change at the interval.
Donovan subsequently came on and completed the match as Celtic continued to dominate.
The Hoops added another two goals after the break to complete a ruthless 5-1 victory, meaning Johnston was able to watch the remainder of the contest from the sidelines without Celtic needing to put him back into action.
When will Celtic know the extent of Johnston’s injury?
For now, there is no indication that Johnston is facing a significant spell on the sidelines.
Maloney’s description of the substitution as a precaution is certainly positive, although Celtic will still have to wait for a clearer picture over the next couple of days.
The defender is expected to be assessed before the club makes a decision on his availability for the next fixture.
That means the coming days will be important.
If Johnston responds well and the issue settles quickly, Celtic could have little to worry about. However, the club will understandably take every precaution given the importance of the Canadian to Rodgers’ plans.
The timing of the injury is also worth noting.
Celtic have made an excellent start to their league campaign and will want to maintain that momentum, while Johnston has quickly become an important part of the defensive structure.
His ability to provide energy from right-back and contribute to Celtic’s attacking play makes him a valuable option for the manager.
Positive news despite the concern
Ultimately, Johnston’s injury scare is the only real concern Celtic will take from an otherwise outstanding afternoon.
The Hoops were already three goals ahead when he was withdrawn, and Donovan helped the team maintain control before Celtic added twice more in the second half.
Høgh’s hat-trick, further goals from Benjamin Nygren and Luke McCowan and another commanding team performance ensured the focus remained on Celtic’s impressive victory.
Now, attention will turn towards Johnston.
For the moment, Maloney’s comments provide reason for optimism.
Celtic will hope the defender’s decision to come off was nothing more than sensible precaution — and that, after a few days of monitoring, Johnston is given the all-clear to return without missing any significant action.
Nafisa
