CELTIC’S RANGERS FINAL HOPES HANG BY A THREAD! Alistair Johnston’s Injury Worry Sparks Fears of Defensive Crisis – Can Ange Postecoglou Find a Solution?

Celtic’s preparations for the highly anticipated Premier Sports Cup Final against Rangers on Sunday may have hit a snag, as fullback Alistair Johnston was substituted at halftime during their match against Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia. The injury has sparked concerns about Johnston’s availability for the upcoming final, and Celtic fans will be anxiously waiting to hear the latest news on their player’s fitness.

The injury occurred when Johnston was on the receiving end of a clumsy challenge from Dinamo Zagreb’s midfielder Rog, who was subsequently booked for the foul. Johnston appeared to be holding his left leg after the incident, and although he managed to make it to the break, he was replaced by Tony Ralston for the second half.

While it’s unclear whether Johnston’s substitution was purely precautionary or a result of the injury, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers may have taken a cautious approach to ensure his player’s fitness for the upcoming final. Rodgers is known for his careful management of his players, and it’s possible that he decided to err on the side of caution and withdraw Johnston from the game to prevent any further damage.

Fortunately, Celtic has a capable backup in Ralston, who can fill in if Johnston is unable to play. Ralston has been a reliable performer for Celtic in the past, and he will be eager to make an impact if he’s called upon to start in the final.

The timing of the injury is somewhat fortunate, as the match took place on a Tuesday evening, giving Johnston ample time to rest and recover before the final on Sunday. Celtic’s medical team will be working around the clock to ensure that Johnston receives the best possible treatment and care, and fans will be hoping that he’ll be fit and ready to face Rangers in what promises to be an intense and thrilling match.

Celtic’s clash with Rangers is one of the most highly anticipated matches of the season, and the stakes are high. Both teams will be eager to claim the trophy and gain bragging rights over their arch-rivals. Celtic fans will be keeping their fingers crossed that Johnston will be fit and ready to play, as his presence in the team could be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of the match.