Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is concerned about a possible long-term layoff for Alistair Johnston, after revealing that the right-back suffered a fracture to his head in the win over Hibernian at Easter Road in midweek.
Johnston was caught heavily by Nectarios Triantis on the side of the head as the Hibs defender conceded the first of Celtic’s two penalties on the night, with the Canadian requiring lengthy treatment before Adam Idah scored from the spot.
Rodgers is hoping that a scan will deliver a favourable prognosis, but with the way the season has been going for his injury-hit squad, he is fearing the worst.
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“He won’t be available for the weekend,” Rodgers said.
“We think he has a slight fracture on the side of the head. We don’t know [how long he will be out], we are just waiting to see.
“Hopefully we’ll get the result from the scan today [Friday]. It just seems to be a season of continual issues especially around a lot of our starting players.
“We’ll see. Hopefully, fingers crossed it’ll be ok and he won’t be out for too long.”
If Johnston is out for a period of time, then Rodgers is reassured that he has Anthony Ralston available to fill in, with Greg Taylor also nearing a return on the other side of the Celtic defence.
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“Tony, for me, in his own right could start every game,” Rodgers said.
“So, it’s important you have that level of player. I see how he prepares himself and you see his tackle the other night at the end of the game which creates the opportunity for the penalty.
“I know I’ve got someone there I can trust.
“[Greg Taylor] is very close. I’m not sure he will make the weekend, but if not, he should be available for the following weekend.”
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