Missing pre-season will have been a “nightmare” for Celtic winger Mikey Johnston, according to Alex Bruce.
The former Premier League defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, suggested the injury set-back will mean the 21-year-old will now be “playing catch-up” with the rest of Neil Lennon’s squad.
The Scottish Sun reported on Wednesday that Johnston is a major doubt for Celtic’s Champions League qualifying campaign with a calf injury.
Lennon revealed last week the Scotland under-21 international is set to see a specialist about the problem, but it now looks likely he’ll be out until September.
The Hoops’ first Champions League qualifier is on 18/19 August, with the second round a week later.
If the Scottish champions progress they will play a further qualifier on 15/16 September before a two-legged play-off later that month.
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“For any player to pick up an injury in pre-season is a nightmare,” Bruce told Football Insider.
“Fingers crossed the lad gets back quickly because he’ll be playing catch-up with the rest of the squad.
“Obviously, he’s missed out on pre-season and the games are starting this weekend, it’ll be a big blow for the lad but fingers crossed he can get back fit as soon as possible.”
Johnston could also be absent for Scotland under-21s’ clash with Lithuania on 8 September.
Celtic begin their campaign on Sunday with the visit of Hamilton to Celtic Park.
In other Celtic news, a Football Insider pundit claims that Lennon will take a risk and hand one player his debut against Hamilton.
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By: Football Insider speaking to Alex Bruce
Title: Celtic news: Bruce reacts to huge Celtic update after Lennon reveal
Sourced From: www.footballinsider247.com/nightmare-celtic-inury-johnston-bruce-reacts/
Published Date: Fri, 31 Jul 2020 18:23:21 +0000
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