MARCO TILIO has joined Alistair and Mikey Johnston on the Celtic crocked list who will miss the start of the new season.
The Canada World Cup right-back could be out for six to eight weeks after undergoing an ankle operation.
Johnston was injured playing for his nation against America where he was forced to limp off after an hour, as CQN reported yesterday.
Returning boss Brendan Rodgers, though, is hopeful the 24-year-old fans’ favourite can return sooner having “progressed really well” in his early rehab work.
SIDELINED…Alistair Johnston will miss the start of the season after an ankle operation.
The Hoops gaffer, speaking to the media at the team’s pre-season training camp in The Algarve, said: “Alistair had an issue when he came back from international duty- he has a slight problem with his ankle, but he’s had an operation, it’s been successful and he’s out here with us.
“It’s probably a six to eight-week injury, but, hopefully, he’ll be back sooner than that.
“He’s progressed really well and it’s better to have it done at this stage of the season than some time into the season.”
Twenty-five-year-old winger Mikey, who spent last term on loan at Portuguese club Vitoria Guimaraes, will also miss the start of the new crusade with a back injury and could be out for THREE months.
Rodgers continued: “Sadly for Mikey, he is going to be out for a few more months.
SIDELINED…Mikey Johnston could be out for three months with a back problem.
“He had an issue with his back, sadly, so he’ll probably be out for near on three months.”
Now Tilio, who joined the champions from Melbourne City earlier this month, will also be on the sidelines when the Hoops kick off the 2023/24 campaign against Ross County at Parkhead on Flag Day on Saturday August 5.
The 21-year-old Aussie wide Bhoy suffered an injury on duty for the Australia Under-23 team at the Toulon tournament last month.
Rodgers added: “Marco had an issue when we signed him, we knew of it.
“He’ll miss the start of the season as he got injured with Australia.
“He’s an exciting winger. He fits the profile and he’ll do very well.”
Rodgers expects the highly-rated prospect to be up to speed before the Champions League group stages kick off on September 19/20.
