Celtic injury boost as Johnston drops early return hint

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·9 October 2025

Celtic injury boost as Johnston drops early return hint

Celtic defender Alistair Johnston hinted at comeback from injury after the international break while marking his 27th birthday yesterday…

The Canadian has been out of action since picking up a hamstring injury in the opening leg of Celtic’s Champions League qualifying clash against Kairat Almaty in August.

In Johnston’s absence, Anthony Ralston and young prospect Colby Donovan have filled in at right-back.

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Anthony Ralston of Celtic substituted for Colby Donovan of Celtic. Celtic v Livingston, William Hill Scottish Premiership, Football, Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, UK – 23 August 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

Celebrating his 27th birthday on Tuesday, Johnston responded to Celtic’s Instagram birthday message by hinting at a comeback, commenting, “Thank you, back soon…”

Last week, manager Brendan Rodgers revealed that Johnston is expected to be fit in time for Celtic’s visit to Dundee next Sunday at Dens Park.

The Celtic boss said: “Ali Johnston will join us probably the week leading into Dundee after the international break. But he is working really well.”

A number of Celtic players are currently away on international duty throughout this week and next. Marcelo Saracchi received an unexpected selection for the Uruguay national team, while Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston are gearing up to feature for Scotland tonight against Greece and then on Sunday versus Belarus at Hampden.

Marcelo Saracchi of Celtic crosses the ball beyond Chris Cadden of Hibernian. Celtic v Hibernian, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 27 September 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO Shutterstock

Saracchi is set to head to Malaysia, where Uruguay will play friendly matches against the Dominican Republic in Kuala Lumpur today and Uzbekistan in Malacca next week.

This opportunity could boost the 27-year-old’s chances of securing a spot at next year’s World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico, with Uruguay already booking their place after finishing fourth in South American qualifying, behind Argentina, Ecuador, and Colombia.

Liam Scales at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Meanwhile, Liam Scales has been called up to the Ireland squad, joining Sebastian Tounekti, Benjamin Nygren, Daizen Maeda, Viljami Sinisalo, Kasper Schmeichel, and Cameron Carter-Vickers, who are also linking up with their respective national teams.

Celtic FC v S.C. Braga – UEFA Europa League Sebastian Tounekti of Celtic and Braga’s Victor Gomez during the UEFA Europa League match, round 2 of 8 between Celtic FC and S.C. Braga at Celtic Park, on 2nd October 2025. Photo Mark Runacles IMAGO/ Anadolu Agency

For the Bhoys who remain at Lennoxtown, these two weeks should be used as a time to reset and be ready for Dundee, Sturm Graz, Hearts and Falkirk at the end of the month.

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain has signed the remaining batch of David Potter’s outstanding final book Celtic in the Eighties so hurry to get your signed copy!

Ordering is simple, just place your order for Celtic in the Eighties at celticstarbooks.com/shop and we’ll do the rest, ensuring your copy is signed by Danny PLUS you’ll also receive a complimentary Willie Fernie book dispatched by the next working day, whilst stocks last.

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books

Please note that stocks are now running very low indeed and the book will NOT be reprinted. Click on the image below to order. Also postage will only be charged on ONE book, not per item so if you are in Britain or the six counties you will pay £24.50 for both books – one side by Danny McGrain and that includes the postage costs for speedy delivery. As always the books are hardback and are of the highest quality.