Celtic defender Alistair Johnston to miss 12 weeks with injury as Hoops trio doubtful for Livingston

Celtic defender Alistair Johnston has been ruled out for around three months after suffering an injury in the midweek draw with Kairat.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has also revealed that Daizen Maeda, Adam Idah, and Auston Trusty are all doubts for this weekend’s game against Livingston.

Johnston had to be taken off on a stretcher during the first half of their play-off game against the champions of Kazakhstan on Wednesday.

And with the decisive second leg of that tie, and a chance to qualify for the Champions League, just four days away, the Hoops are now facing a sweat over more injury concerns.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Rodgers said: “It’s not great, Alistair is probably going to be about 12 weeks. He had his scan yesterday, so obviously, that’s disappointing for him as he has come back and started well, but that is where we are with him.

“When you lose any player of that calibre, then of course it is a disappointment.

“It will now provide an opportunity for someone else to step in, we know we have Tony (Ralston), we also have young Colby Donovan, who as a young player here has really impressed me.

“He has been great over the last 12 months and made great strides, so it’s always an opportunity for someone. But, of course, it’s disappointing to lose Ali. So we just want to make sure we are in a good position in all competitions when he gets back.”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s game against Livingston at Celtic Park, Rodgers said: “Adam Idah is struggling with his knee, Auston Trusty could be out for a bit with the issue he has had.

“With Daizen we have probably had to use him more than we would have liked, but he’s ok, just a bit stiff and crampy.

“Other than that, it will be the same squad.”

Rodgers will not start Maeda against Livi if he reports any issues.

He said: “I would never put the player at risk, ever. If he’s not ready to play, or he’s feeling anything, or there’s any sort of doubt, we wouldn’t start him.

“We had a really, really consistent year last year, especially in the first six months. All of that was based around the ability to be able to refresh the team and take players on and off. And that kept the energy, kept the tempo, everything in the team and the football’s great.

“And when you can’t do that, there’s an effect. And for the likes of Daizen, he’s had to play a little bit more than we would have liked, but he’s still in good condition.”