Alistair Johnston will not feature in Sunday’s League Cup semi final, with Celtic confirming the right back is still some way off a return after his recent setback.
There had been hope inside the camp that Johnston might make a late push, but that has now been ruled out.
The defender made his initial comeback back this month, playing over 30 minutes against Sturm Graz, only to sustain the same hamstring issue that had kept him out in the first place. Since then, the approach has been conservative, and the language around his availability has firmed up at today’s press conference.
Celtic’s latest line is unequivocal. Johnston is “not close to returning” and “wouldn’t be available”. For supporters eyeing Hampden, that removes the will-he, won’t-he question and hands the coaching staff clear parameters for selection and shape.
Johnston’s reliability in duels, his recovery running and his habit of pinning opponents back with early forward passes make him a natural fit for big domestic occasions. In Glasgow derbies, his intensity without the ball often sets a tone, while his positioning at the back post on set plays has quietly saved Celtic on more than one afternoon.
Without him, Celtic will again lean on Anthony Ralston who played against Falkirk. Colby Donovan is also an option.
From a broader perspective, clarity helps. Rather than gambling on a late fitness test, the staff can prepare specific match scenarios for Hampden and the fixtures that follow, then reassess Johnston when the medical team give the green light. There is no suggestion of rushing him now. After a recurrence, caution is the sensible route to ensure he returns to stay.
