KANSAS CITY, KANSAS - JUNE 25: Marcos Lopez of Peru confronts Alistair Johnston of Canada during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 between Peru and Canada at Children's Mercy Park on June 25, 2024 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Alistair Johnston seems very close to making a playing return.
The defender lasted just 26 minutes of his comeback match against Sturm Graz on October 23.
Instantly it was clear that the hamstring injury he had suffered against Kairat Almaty in August had recurred.
Five months later Johnston is on the final stages of his rehab with two huge targets coming into view.
The World Cup Finals is less than 80 days away but before that Celtic’s fate in two domestic competitions will be decided.
JOHNSTON INTERNATIONAL FIXTURES
Canada face Iceland on Saturday followed by a game against Tunisia on Wednesday April 1.
Johnston was called up to the squad mainly to keep him in the loop as the World Cup approaches but could be involved in the upcoming matches.
The Canadian Press News reports:
Right back Alistair Johnston (Celtic), who’s rebounding from hamstring surgery, was at training and is expected to be a full participant Wednesday. Centre back Moïse Bombito (OGC Nice), meanwhile, continues to recover from a fractured tibia and was working on his own with a trainer.
“These two guys, I think, really wanted to be here … we felt they’re really important and we’ve been missing them,” Marsch said. “It’s good to have them.”
Celtic and the Canadian Federation will be in contact over the rehab and fitness of Johnston.
There is little to be gained in football terms for Johnston but getting 20 or 30 minutes playing time might be in everyone’s interest.
Celtic seem to be in the dark over the injury to Julian Araujo. On Sunday Martin O’Neill confirmed that the Mexican is back at Bournemouth but was vague on the injury and the timeline for a return.
Colby Donovan started the match at Dundee United with Reo Hatate and Yang Hyun-jun later playing at right-back. Strangely Tony Ralston remained an unused substitute in the 2-0 defeat.
With Celtic only having one midweek fixture this season there should be less strain on Johnston.
Earlier this season Johnston returned after two months out only for the hamstring to go again within 30 minutes of his comeback.
Arne Engels is expected to be in contention for Celtic’s visit to Dundee on April 5 although there is little news on the return date for Callum Osmond.
CLICK HERE for Johnston’s five appearances this season
