The Celtic Star
·22 agosto 2025
Alistair Johnston’s hamstring injury adds to Celtic’s worries

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Yahoo sportsThe Celtic Star
·22 agosto 2025
Alistair Johnston of Celtic is stretchered off after sustaining an injury during the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round First Leg match between Celtic and Kairat Almaty at Celtic Park on August 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The defender was carried off on a stretcher following an off-the-ball incident in Celtic’s Champions League playoff clash with Kairat Almaty on Wednesday night.
Despite wincing from the injury, Johnston raised a thumbs-up to the Hoops supporters while being stretchered off, acknowledging their supportive applause as he left the field.
Celtic 0-0 Kairat Almaty. Celtic’s Champions League hopes hang very much in the balance after they were held to a goalless draw in Glasgow by Kazakh side Kairat. Photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO / News Licensing
Johnston appeared to grab his right leg while chasing back. The Canadian was attended to after roughly 33 minutes but had to be substituted as he could not carry on.
Asked about Johnston’s situation and if he had any indication of a recovery timeframe during his post-match interview on TNT Sports, Rodgers said: “I don’t, but it looks like a hamstring, which is a shame because he started the season so well.”
The Celtic boss was also asked to address Johnston’s injury when speaking in his post-match presser to which he replied: “I haven’t spoken to the medical guys yet, but it looks like a hamstring injury, which is disappointing. I will get more in the morning.”
The right-back was seen on crutches in the Celtic dugout during the second half following his injury. Anthony Ralston came on to take Johnston’s place in defence after the worrying injury.
Alistair Johnston of Celtic challenges for the ball with Dastan Satpayev of Kairat Almaty during the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round First Leg match between Celtic and Kairat Almaty at Celtic Park on August 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The full severity of the injury remains unclear, as Celtic prepare to meet Kairat Almaty once more in Kazakhstan next week for the decisive second leg of the Champions League playoff.
Rodgers is likely to give an update at his media conference regarding the situation today which could give an indicator whether Celtic need to dip into the emergency loan market for a right-back.
Brendan Rodgers, Manager of Celtic looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round First Leg match between Celtic and Kairat Almaty at Celtic Park on August 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Celtic take on Livingston this weekend in the Scottish Premiership before making the long-haul flight to Kazakhstan on Sunday.
Rodgers’ men end the month with a trip to Ibrox – but there are two big games before then – where they can extend their lead at the top of the table.
Conor Spence
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