BRENDAN RODGERS is still awaiting the full diagnosis of Alistair Johnston’s head injury, but the Celtic boss fears the defender could have suffered a fracture.
The Canadian World Cup right-back was stretchered off early in the midweek 2-1 win over Hibs at Easter Road following a mid-air collision with Nectarious Triantis that resulted in the visitors being awarded a penalty-kick which was tucked away by new Bhoy Adam Idah.
There was no chance of Johnston facing St Mirren in the Scottish Cup fifth round tie in Paisley on Sunday afternoon and Rodgers admitted he does not have a time-scale for the player’s return.
CONCERNED…Brendan Rodgers looks on as Alistair Johnston is stretchered off at Easter Road.
The Hoops boss said: “We are just waiting for the results of a scan. He won’t be available for the weekend. We think he has a slight fracture on the side of the head.”
Quizzed about the length of time the defender could be sidelined, Rodgers, speaking to The Scotsman, answered: “We don’t know. We are just waiting to see.”
Rodgers welcomed back Daizen Maeda to action in Edinburgh in midweek after the Japanese ace returned from the Asian Cup.
Also back at Lennoxtown this morning were South Korean double-act Oh Hyeon-gyu and Yang Hyun-gyu after their nation were knocked out of the competition by Jordan.
The Irishman commented: “They have been away for a period of time, but they look fit and well and trained really well earlier.”
Left-back Greg Taylor, who has missed the last three games, is likely to be sidelined again and Rodgers added: “I’m not sure he will make the weekend, but, if not, he should be available for the following weekend.”
Cameron Carter-Vickers is back in training, but he will not be involved against the Saints with either Maik Nawrocki or Stephen Welsh taking his place in central defence.
