Celtic suffered a major injury blow as Alistair Johnston was stretchered off against Kairat Almaty.
The right-back had to be replaced in the first half of the Champions League play-off round first leg at Celtic Park.
Johnston had to be stretchered off after just 35 minutes after pulling up with a potential hamstring issue.
35' - Substitutions for Celtic: 🔛 Ralston ↩ Johnston 🟩0️⃣-0️⃣🟨#CelticKairat | #UCL | #CelticFC🍀
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 20, 2025
The defender had been retreating down the park when replays showed he clutched at the back of his right leg.
Johnston remained grounded and was then treated by Celtic physios after a stop in play.
Quickly, it became clear Johnston would be unable to continue as a stretcher was prepared to carry him off the pitch.
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Anthony Ralston was brought on to replace Johnston in the Celtic rearguard after the nasty looking injury.
Johnston grimaced in pain over the knock but gave a thumbs up to supporters as he was carried off the pitch as a mark of appreciation for the warm reception as he was subbed off.
The extent of the injury is not yet known with Celtic set to face Kairat again next week in Kazakhstan for the crucial second leg of the Champions League play-off tie.
Celtic face Livingston this weekend before the second leg in the Champions League.
Brendan Rodgers' side face Rangers on Sunday, August 31 in the first derby tie of the Scottish Premiership season.
