Celtic full-back Johnston out until October

WHAT HAPPENED
Celtic full-back Alistair Johnston will be sidelined until October, manager Martin O'Neill confirmed ahead of the Champions League play-off second leg away to LASK. Johnston, 27 and a Canada international, went off at half-time in the club’s second game of the season; O'Neill said the medical outlook points to a return sometime in October.

Johnston had already missed the majority of last season with a hamstring problem — he was absent for 39 matches and only returned in late April — and his latest setback removes him from the squad for the early weeks of the new campaign.

KEY CONTEXT
- O'Neill has indicated the squad has been strengthened in attack over the summer but that defensive reinforcements may be required.
- With Kieran Tierney effectively the only left-sided full-back available, the manager said he would "have a little look" at options in that area.
- Colby Donovan, 19, has been deputising at full-back and was noted for his performance in Celtic’s 3-0 first-leg win over LASK; Anthony Ralston is another right-back option.
- The transfer window closes on 3 September; O'Neill said there was nothing further to report on reported links to Ermin Mahmic or Gvidas Gineitis.

WHY IT MATTERS
Johnston’s absence reduces Celtic’s available full-back options early in the season and increases the importance of existing deputies and any defensive signings before the September deadline. The club’s balance between adding quality and covering for injuries was a point O'Neill emphasised when discussing squad business through to January.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Celtic bring in defensive reinforcement before the 3 September transfer deadline.
- Updates from the club medical team on Johnston’s recovery and any change to the current October timetable (the October timing comes from O’Neill’s prognosis and is not a firm date).
- How Donovan and Ralston perform in Johnston’s absence, and whether O’Neill adjusts personnel or formation to cope.

KEY FACTS
- Alistair Johnston is 27 and represents Canada.
- He was substituted at half-time in Celtic’s second match of the season against Kilmarnock.
- O'Neill said Johnston is expected to be out until "some time in October."
- Johnston missed 39 of Celtic’s matches last season, returning in late April.
- Colby Donovan (19) deputised and impressed in Celtic’s 3-0 first-leg win over LASK; Anthony Ralston is another option at right-back.
- Transfer window closes 3 September; O'Neill reported no further developments on links to Ermin Mahmic or Gvidas Gineitis.