Canada head coach reveals Alistair Johnston’s intentions

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·26 de março de 2026

Canada head coach reveals Alistair Johnston’s intentions

Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has revealed that injured defender Alistair Johnston was keen to link up with the national squad, despite concerns raised by Celtic manager Martin O’Neill…

Reports emerging from North America indicate Johnston is set to step up his recovery by taking part in training sessions with his international teammates.

The Hoops defender has endured a frustrating season plagued by injuries, with the World Cup looming on the horizon.

Vídeos OneFootball

The Celtic full-back has been sidelined since being forced off during the first leg of their Champions League play-off defeat to Kairat Almaty.

Alistair Johnston of Celtic lies injured 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)

Although he briefly returned in October for a Europa League clash against Sturm Graz, his comeback was short-lived as he lasted just 26 minutes before suffering another setback, and he has not featured since.

Despite his lack of match fitness, Johnston has been included in Canada’s squad for upcoming friendlies against Iceland and Tunisia, part of preparations for the World Cup, which the country will co-host with the United States and Mexico this summer. However, Marsch confirmed the player is not expected to feature in either match.

Celtic boss O’Neill had preferred Johnston to remain at Lennoxtown to continue his rehab, but Marsch revealed that the decision to travel and join the squad ultimately rested with the player himself.

Speaking via Daily Record, Marsch said: “These two guys [Johnston and Moïse Bombito] I think, really wanted to be here … we felt they’re really important and we’ve been missing them. It’s good to have them.”

Reports from Canadian outlet Lethbridge News indicate the Celtic defender was present at training and is set to take part fully in Wednesday’s session.

Colby Donovan injured at Tannadice. Dundee Utd v Celtic. Sunday 22 March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

The positive update in the right-back area comes at a crucial moment, with Colby Donovan expected to be sidelined for a period. Donovan has already pulled out of Scotland Under-21 duty ahead of their upcoming qualifiers after sustaining a knee problem. The Celtic academy graduate was forced off during last weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Dundee United, raising concerns over his fitness.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth loanee Julian Araujo remains unavailable and has returned to his parent club to undergo treatment. It is unclear whether he will return to Celtic to complete his loan spell.

Conor Spence

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