Canada right-back Alistair Johnston subbed off early in Celtic return with apparent injury

Alistair Johnston’s return to the Celtic starting XI ended prematurely on Thursday.

The Canada right-back, making his first appearance since Aug. 20 following a hamstring injury, was subbed off in only the 26th minute of the team’s Europa League match against Sturm Graz after what appeared to be a recurrence of the same injury.

Celtic have lost striker Kelechi Iheanacho and defender Alistair Johnston to injury in the first 25 minutes against Sturm Graz. Jota and Maeda not fit either. Huge losses ahead of Sunday’s trip to Hearts.

— Barry Anderson (@BarryAnderson_) October 23, 2025

Johnston, 27, was visibly upset as he made his way off of the pitch, but did so under his own power. Nineteen-year-old Scotland under-21 Colby Donovan, who had been starting in Johnston’s absence, came on as a substitute.

With Johnston returning, there was hope that the Vancouver native would be available for selection for Canada’s November friendlies against Ecuador and Venezuela, but a fresh injury worry puts his status up in the air.

A product of Wake Forest, Johnston is in his fourth season with the Bhoys following a move from CF Montreal. He was won eight trophies in his time in Glasgow including a domestic treble in 2023.

Internationally, Johnston has been capped 56 times by Canada since his senior debut in 2021.