Alistair Johnston Celtic injury timeline revealed as Hoops warrior left in race against time for Hampden return

Alistair Johnston is out of this weekend’s potential title decider at Hearts but Treble-chasing Celtic hope he will be fit for the Scottish Cup final.

The Canadian international limped off in Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final win over Rangers after he injured his right ankle. Record Sport understands the early consensus is Johnston is likely to be out for three to four weeks, although it depends on how he reacts to treatment.

The worst case scenario is he could miss the main bulk of Celtic’s top six fixtures, starting with Sunday’s trip to Hearts, where they could seal the league title. The fact the Scottish Cup Final against Inverness is on June 3 gives Johnston the chance to be back pushing for that.

The right-back, a January arrival from Montreal Impact, came off second best in a challenge on Borna Barisic. The 24-year-old was seen on crutches and wearing a moon boot on the pitch after the final whistle.

He impressed at the World Cup and has been a big player for Ange Postecoglou’s side since he replaced Josip Juranovic who left for Union Berlin in January. The news is another blow for Postecoglou although he has cover in Anthony Ralston.

His all-conquering side is already injury-hit. Postecoglou confirmed after the semi-final win that central defender Cameron Carter-Vickers would play no further part in this season. He will go for knee surgery

The US international has been playing through the pain barrier but Celtic want the issue resolved now. Carter-Vickers could miss the start of the new season. Celtic knew that with the timing but want to make sure he is fit and ready for the start of their Champions League campaign.

Team-mates such as Joe Hart have lined-up to salute the bravery of the defender as he