Alistair Johnston injury concern played down after Celtic’s 5-1 Kilmarnock victory | OneFootball

Shaun Maloney has played down concerns surrounding Alistair Johnston after the defender was withdrawn during Sunday’s 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock.

9th August 2026; Rugby Park, Scottish Premiership Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Alistair Johnston of Celtic on the ball. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou

Johnston completed the opening 45 minutes at Rugby Park but failed to return for the second half, with Colby Donovan introduced at right-back in his place.

The unexpected change immediately raised questions over the Canadian international’s fitness, particularly given the injury problems which disrupted his involvement last season.

However, Maloney offered an encouraging assessment after the final whistle and revealed Celtic had decided not to take any unnecessary risks after Johnston reported some discomfort during the interval.

“He felt something. That was just precautionary, we hope,” Maloney said via TCW.

“I thought the back four and the two in front, Callum (McGregor) and (Arne) Engels, were really good. Hopefully he’s fine.”

Celtic will now hope the issue proves to be nothing significant, with Johnston having already endured a lengthy spell on the sidelines last term because of a serious hamstring injury.

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