Celtic's Right-Back Injury Crisis: Alistair Johnston Out Until November
Celtic have been dealt a major early-season blow with Alistair Johnston now expected to be sidelined until November.
The Canadian defender came off at half-time in Celtic’s 5-0 demolition of Kilmarnock in the second league game of the campaign, pointing to a hamstring issue as he left the pitch. At the time, assistant manager Shaun Maloney played down the problem at Rugby Park.
That optimism has vanished.
Club expectations earlier this week suggested Johnston would not be seen again until November, and fresh reports now claim scans have confirmed a more serious setback, ruling him out for a “considerable period”.
For Martin O’Neill, the injury turns right-back from a position of strength into a transfer window priority.
Transfer rethink at right-back
Celtic are already in talks with Hajduk Split over Niko Sigur, a player who can operate both at right-back and in defensive midfield. That kind of flexibility appeals, with the club keen to bolster both areas before the window closes.
Sigur is not the only name in the frame. The latest report also links Celtic with Yuki Sugawara at Southampton, who is expected to be made available. The Japanese full-back would offer a more specialist option on the flank if Celtic decide to go down that route.
The urgency is clear. Last season’s struggles at right-back whenever Johnston was missing are still fresh in the memory. Celtic cannot afford a repeat over the coming months.
Donovan takes his chance
Inside the squad, Colby Donovan has already made his move.
Given the nod ahead of Tony Ralston, the 19-year-old delivered an eye-catching performance against LASK, staking a serious claim for the shirt. O’Neill’s decision to trust Donovan over the more experienced Ralston speaks loudly, and the expectation is that the teenager will continue in the role while the club work on a replacement.
Donovan has earned that run. His display showed energy, composure and a willingness to attack the flank, exactly what O’Neill demands from his full-backs.
But promise is not depth.
Celtic know they need more than one emerging youngster to get through a long, demanding season on multiple fronts. That is why the Sigur deal, with his ability to cover both defence and midfield, looks like the most practical solution on the table.
The question now is not whether Celtic move in the market for a right-back, but how quickly they act – and which profile of defender O’Neill trusts to carry them through Johnston’s absence.
