Alistair Johnston in Celtic injury worry with right-back 'set to miss' start of season amid 'key games' sweat

Alistair Johnston is 'set' to miss the start of the season for Celtic as Brendan Rodgers is dealt an early pre-season blow.

The right-back missed a large chunk of the end of last season after sustaining an ankle injury in a Scottish Cup semi-final win over Rangers, but made the final win against Inverness early last month. But according to the Scottish Sun, the Canadian international 'has yet to begin training with Brendan Rodgers’ squad' and 'looks set to miss the start of Celtic’s season.'

Johnston went on to play for his country against Panama and the USA but but came off after an hour against the US and coach John Herdman said at the time he was still 'carrying an injury.' It's four weeks since those matches and Johnston is yet to return to training, with Anthony Ralston in line to step in again for the right-back after filling in last term. It is claimed the former Montreal man 'could miss key games when the Hoops begin their title defence.'

Cameron Carter-Vickers is also on the way back from a knee injury last term. Record Sport revealed earlier this month the American defender was targeting a return for the Premiership's opening day against Ross County.

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