Celtic are getting ready to face Rangers within the Scottish League Cup ultimate this weekend, however a brand new replace suggests they could be and not using a key participant for the much-anticipated sport.
Celtic tackle Rangers in League Cup ultimate
The Hoops drew 0-0 away to Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday night time, in what was a decent level within the Champions League, as they proceed to present themselves a very good likelihood of moving into the playoffs in Europe’s greatest membership competitors early subsequent yr.
It is now time to deal with an enormous sport on Sunday afternoon, nonetheless, as Celtic tackle rivals Rangers within the League Cup ultimate, as they battle to win the primary piece of home silverware of the season.
The Hoops’ adversaries are the reigning holders of the trophy, however Brendan Rodgers‘ aspect prevailed towards them in final season’s Scottish Cup ultimate and can hope to do the identical once more at Hampden Park this weekend.
Celtic will go into the sport as favourites, given their present lead on the high of the Scottish Premiership title, however it’s a match that also has the potential to be determined by tremendous margins. Each side have damage issues main as much as kickoff and a key replace has dropped concerning one particular person.
Worrying Celtic damage information emerges earlier than ultimate
On Friday, footage from Sky Sports activities confirmed that Alistair Johnston wasn’t part of Cetic’s training session, suggesting he could possibly be a doubt for the ultimate towards Rangers this weekend. Not having Johnston accessible for a sport of such magnitude could be a serious blow for Celtic, contemplating what a constant performer he has turn out to be at right-back.
The 26-year-old has received two league titles throughout his time with the Hoops, and this season, he has bagged four goals and assists apiece within the league, highlighting the spectacular stage of finish product he has offered from his full-back function.
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner has heaped reward on the job Johnston has achieved since arriving from CF Montreal on the finish of 2022, saying: “Johnston has settled in so nicely. Individuals talked about (Josip) Juranovic being a star participant however Celtic haven’t missed him – that’s how nicely Johnston has achieved.”
Hopefully, his absence from coaching is nothing critical, however the truth that he hasn’t been seen alongside his teammates forward of such a giant event can solely recommend that there are real doubts over him being match for the showdown with Rangers.
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Celtic are merely a greater group when Johnston is taking part in, whether or not that be due to his defensive solidity or attacking high quality, so seeing him within the beginning XI on Sunday will instantly improve Rodgers’ aspect’s possibilities of profitable yet one more trophy.