Celtic will face archrivals Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup final on Sunday at Hampden Park.
The Bhoys have dominated the Scottish Premiership so far and are also in a good position in the Champions League.
In the previous game against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League away from Parkhead, Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston picked up an injury after a nasty collision and was taken off at the break.Rodgers earlier said the 26-year-old has not picked up any muscle injury, and he hoped that the defender would be able to overcome the pain.
The Celtic boss confirmed today that the Canadian has avoided any major injury and should be able to start against the Gers.
Fans feared that the Hoops defender could miss the big game, but Rodgers has quashed any unrest.
“The squad is healthy – we expect Ali [Johnston] to be okay,” said Rodgers, ahead of the clash against Rangers.
“He was out on the pitches this afternoon, so we should have everyone fit and available.
“[He had] an extra bit of recovery. Naturally, he’s been an outstanding player for us over the course of his time here, and in particular this season. He’s been instrumental in our work.Speaking to him earlier, and out on the pitch he was fine so we expect him to be okay.”
Alistair Johnston’s injury update is a huge boost for Celtic
Rodgers has hailed Johnston as an “outstanding” defender, and rightly so.
Johnston is a key player under Rodgers and brings a lot of quality to the team. He is very solid in his defending and produces good crosses from the flanks.
Celtic have Anthony Ralston as his replacement, but Johnston is a different class altogether. With him in the side, Celtic will feel more confident ahead of the Old Firm derby clash.
The Hoops have conceded only four goals this season in 15 Scottish Premiership games, and Johnston has played a massive part in it.
Celtic Suffer Injury Blow Ahead of Old Firm Derby
Celtic’s preparations for Sunday’s highly-anticipated Old Firm derby against Rangers have been dealt a significant blow, with manager Brendan Rodgers confirming that two key players will miss the match through injury.
The Hoops were already facing a tough task against their arch-rivals, but the absence of the two players will undoubtedly make their job even more difficult. Rodgers’ side has been in impressive form this season, but the loss of two important players will require them to dig deep and find a way to overcome the setback.
The Old Firm derby is always a fiercely contested affair, with both teams eager to claim bragging rights and secure three crucial points. Celtic will be looking to maintain their dominance over Rangers, but the absence of the two players will give their rivals a glimmer of hope.
Rangers have been struggling to keep pace with Celtic at the top of the table, but they will see Sunday’s match as a chance to close the gap and put pressure on their rivals. The match promises to be an electrifying encounter, with both teams eager to emerge victorious.
Rodgers will now have to rely on other members of his squad to step up and deliver a winning performance. The Celtic manager has a talented group of players at his disposal, but the absence of the two injured players will undoubtedly be felt.
Celtic fans will be keeping their fingers crossed that the injured duo will make a speedy recovery, but for now, they will have to rely on the rest of the squad to deliver a winning performance.
*Injury Update*
– Two Celtic players ruled out of Sunday’s Old Firm derby
– Brendan Rodgers confirms injury setback during pre-match press conference
– Duo unlikely to recover in time for crucial match
*Match Preview*
– Old Firm derby promises to be an electrifying encounter
– Celtic seeking to maintain dominance over Rangers
– Match will be a fiercely contested affair, with both teams eager to claim bragging rights