Celtic hit by injury blow ahead of Beşiktaş clash

Beşiktaş's upcoming UEFA Europa League opponent Celtic has been dealt a fresh injury concern ahead of the fixture. Canadian right-back Alistair Johnston picked up a hamstring issue during the match against Hibernian and is not expected to feature against the Black and Whites. The defender was forced off before the final whistle after feeling discomfort in the back of his leg.

The 27-year-old, though some reports list him as 28, is expected to return to action only after the November international break. This means his absence will extend beyond just the Beşiktaş match. In his absence, Colby Donovan is set to fill in at right-back for Celtic.

So far this season, Johnston has made three appearances totaling 156 minutes without registering a goal or an assist. His unavailability comes at an inconvenient time for Celtic as they prepare for a crucial European test. The Scottish side will have to rework their defensive plans without one of their key full-backs.

Celtic have failed to pick up a single point from their opening three Europa League fixtures this campaign. The Scottish club will host Beşiktaş at Celtic Park on Thursday, November 5, looking to claim their first points of the competition in front of their home supporters. Beşiktaş, on the other hand, will be aiming to leave Glasgow with all three points.