🟢 Celtic FC Injury Report & Squad Update
⚔️ Hibernian Preview – September 2025
As Celtic prepare to host Hibernian at Celtic Park this weekend, the pressure is beginning to mount for Brendan Rodgers and his squad. With the season now entering a crucial stretch and the Europa League campaign underway, the fitness and availability of key players is more important than ever.
After a midweek trip to Serbia that saw Celtic claim a 1-1 draw against Red Star Belgrade in their Europa League group stage opener, attention now shifts back to domestic matters. That game, while encouraging in parts, also brought fresh concerns as several key players either remained sidelined or showed signs of discomfort on the pitch.
Let’s take a deep dive into the status of three important players currently under assessment ahead of the Hibernian match: Alistair Johnston, Anthony Ralston, and Cameron Carter-Vickers.
🟥 1. Alistair Johnston – Making Progress, But Still Out
🔹 Injury Summary:
Johnston’s injury occurred in a high-stakes Champions League play-off first leg against Kairat Almaty, a physically demanding game where the Canadian full-back picked up what was later revealed to be a ligament issue in his lower leg.
He was subsequently ruled out until early-to-mid November, with Celtic’s medical staff keen not to rush him back and risk further setbacks.
🔹 Latest Updates:
While Johnston has yet to return to full training, there are encouraging signs. In a recent appearance on the Park the Bus podcast, Johnston told fans that he’s “taking it day by day” and that he’s “feeling really good.” That language, while cautious, indicates that his rehabilitation is progressing positively and that he may return ahead of the initial timeline.
🔹 Recovery Timeline:
Initial estimate: November return.
Current status: Ahead of schedule but still in solo rehab.
Return to training: Expected within 2–3 weeks if progress continues.
Match fitness: Will likely need a couple of bounce games or late substitute appearances to rebuild sharpness.
🔹 Tactical Implication:
Johnston is Rodgers’ first-choice right-back and a key player in the buildup phase, often tucking into midfield or supporting transitions. Without him, Celtic lose a layer of tactical complexity and defensive assurance. His absence has forced Rodgers to rotate between Anthony Ralston and Colby Donovan, both of whom offer different skill sets but lack Johnston’s consistency.
❌ Status for Hibs: OUT
He will not be involved this weekend, but fans can be hopeful for his return by late October if recovery remains on track.
🟨 2. Anthony Ralston – Fit Again But Faces Competition
🔹 Injury Background:
Ralston’s injury came shortly after the Glasgow Derby, where he picked up a knock during a physical battle. The injury was not serious, but it disrupted his rhythm at a time when he was expected to fill in for Johnston as the natural replacement.
🔹 Latest Updates:
Ralston was back in first-team training ahead of the Red Star game, but he was not named in the squad. The decision appeared tactical rather than medical, with Rodgers likely choosing to give Colby Donovan another chance after a series of solid performances.
🔹 Match Readiness:
Medically cleared to return.
Match sharpness is improving, though he may not be at 100%.
Lacks recent competitive minutes, so may be eased back via substitutions.
🔹 Squad Dynamics:
Here’s where it gets interesting. Colby Donovan, a young full-back with bags of potential, has stepped up in Johnston and Ralston’s absence. His attacking drive and willingness to press high have caught the eye, and Rodgers may be reluctant to disrupt a system that’s beginning to gel defensively.
This creates a selection dilemma:
Ralston offers experience and discipline, especially against teams like Hibernian who can threaten on the break.
Donovan offers energy, pace, and upside, but may still be developing defensively.
✅ Status for Hibs: AVAILABLE
Ralston is expected to be named in the matchday squad, and he could start — though a bench role is also possible depending on tactical setup.
🟧 3. Cameron Carter-Vickers – Worrying Signs After Red Star Game
🔹 The Situation:
Carter-Vickers has been a mainstay in Celtic’s defence, forming a rock-solid partnership with Liam Scales. Their chemistry and understanding have been vital in helping Celtic concede just 3 goals in all competitions this season.
But during the closing stages of the Red Star Belgrade game, Carter-Vickers was seen limping and holding his thigh, raising immediate concern. While he managed to see out the match, his movement looked laboured, and post-match images seemed to confirm visible discomfort.
🔹 Injury Concerns:
He already missed most of pre-season with a separate issue, making this potentially more serious.
Rodgers admitted he was “concerned” about the player but wouldn’t speculate until a full assessment was done.
Celtic are awaiting scan results and will decide on his availability late in the week.
🔹 Squad Impact:
Carter-Vickers is irreplaceable in many ways. He brings leadership, anticipation, and composure on the ball. Without him, the backline loses its primary organiser.
If he is ruled out:
Stephen Welsh could step in, though he lacks game time.
Gustaf Lagerbielke, who had a rocky start to his Celtic career, could return to the fold but isn’t as trusted in big domestic fixtures.
🤞 Status for Hibs: DOUBTFUL
Rodgers may not risk him if there’s even a minor issue, especially with important European fixtures looming.
🧠 Managerial Considerations: Brendan Rodgers’ Growing Challenge
Rodgers now faces several key questions heading into the weekend:
- Should he rotate or risk fatigue?
With games coming thick and fast, especially in Europe, maintaining squad freshness is vital.
- Who starts at right-back?
Donovan’s rise vs. Ralston’s return creates a classic “form vs. experience” dilemma.
- Can the defence cope without Carter-Vickers?
Scales may need to take more leadership responsibility if the American is ruled out.
- How does this affect style of play?
Celtic may opt for more possession-based control against Hibernian to protect a weakened back line.
🟢 Final Status Summary
Player Injury Type Current Status Expected Return
Alistair Johnston Ligament (leg) Still in rehab Late October / November
Anthony Ralston Muscle strain Back in training Available this weekend
Cameron Carter-Vickers Thigh strain concern Being monitored Late decision – doubtful
🔮 Predicted Impact vs. Hibernian
If Carter-Vickers is out: Celtic could be more vulnerable in the air and transitions.
If Ralston starts: Expect a more conservative approach on the right-hand side.
If Donovan retains his spot: Rodgers may encourage more overlapping runs and width in attack.
Hibernian will likely look to exploit any unfamiliarity in the Celtic backline, particularly if there’s a makeshift defensive pairing.
📌 Conclusion
Celtic’s title ambitions — and their European hopes — will ultimately rest on how well Brendan Rodgers can manage this squad through a demanding schedule. While there is positive news on Anthony Ralston and Alistair Johnston, the situation with Cameron Carter-Vickers could become a bigger issue if it leads to recurring problems.
This weekend’s clash against Hibs could serve as a turning point: a test of Celtic’s depth, adaptability, and mental resilience.