Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has dropped an injury update on Mikey Johnston ahead of the Hoops’ Europa Conference League clash this evening against Bodo/Glimt.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Glasgow Evening Times, the 56-year-old Bhoys boss revealed that the 22-year-old winger, who was withdrawn early in the second half of the Hoops 4-0 win over Raith Rovers last weekend, is set to spend a spell on the sidelines as he recovers from an ankle injury.

Speaking about the condition of the former Scotland U21 international, Postecoglou said: “From last weekend, Mikey Johnston picked up an ankle sprain – nothing too serious but it will keep him out for a little while.”

Huge blow for Celtic

While it is true that Johnston is far from a guaranteed starter under Postecoglou, the loss of the left-winger ahead of tonight’s Europa Conference League clash will nevertheless come as a huge blow to the Greek-Australian coach.

Indeed, with both Kyogo Furuhashi and Karamoko Dembele being unavailable for selection as a result of knocks of their own, Postecoglou’s options on the left are now limited to Jota and Daizen Maeda – although it is likely that the latter will be required at centre-forward.

As such, should Jota sustain an injury early on in the fixture – as the 22-year-old has only started three games since his recovery from his own hamstring strain – or even just become fatigued in the closing stages of the match, Postecoglou’s options from the bench in the position will be severely limited – if there is one at all.

So, while it is true that Johnston has not been in the most prolific form for Celtic over his 19 appearances in all competitions, the fresh loss of the forward will nevertheless come as an extreme annoyance to the Bhoys boss – who would undoubtedly have been hoping to have as many as his first-team squad fit and firing for tonight as possible.

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