One Celtic return is suddenly shifting the entire feel of the title race.
After months without some of their biggest names, a long-awaited comeback could arrive at the perfect moment…
There’s no denying that poor recruitment has played a major role in Celtic’s underwhelming campaign. But injuries have been just as damaging. The Hoops have been without key figures for huge stretches — with Cameron Carter-Vickers sidelined since his Achilles rupture in October, and Jota out since suffering a serious ACL injury back in April at Tannadice.
Neither player is expected back anytime soon. But now, another major absentee could yet have a decisive say in how this title race ends.
On Friday, Alistair Johnston was spotted back in training at Lennoxtown — a sight that has instantly lifted spirits among the Celtic support.
That update came just 24 hours after the 27-year-old was named in Jesse Marsch’s Canada squad for upcoming friendlies against Iceland and Tunisia in Toronto. With Canada set to co-host the World Cup this summer, Johnston will be desperate to regain full fitness before June.
Before that, though, Celtic could reap the rewards.
With eight Premiership games left and a Scottish Cup semi-final clash against St Mirren on the horizon, Johnston’s return could be perfectly timed. The Canadian has managed just 329 minutes across five appearances this season due to two serious injuries — a brutal setback for a player who had become a cornerstone of the side.
His first issue came during the Champions League play-off defeat to Kairat in August, where he suffered a muscle tear while sprinting. A surprise return against Sturm Graz in October only made matters worse, with the injury aggravated early on — and he hasn’t been seen since.
In his absence, Anthony Ralston and youngster Colby Donovan filled in, before Julián Araujo arrived on loan in January. That move suggested Celtic were planning for a long wait — but Johnston’s return changes that equation entirely.
And the numbers don’t lie.
Since Johnston joined in January 2023, Celtic have won 64 of the 80 Premiership games he’s featured in — a remarkable return. Without him, their points-per-game drops significantly, and seven of their nine defeats without him have come this season alone.
Put simply: Celtic are a different team with him in it.
While this weekend’s trip to Dundee United may come too soon, his involvement during the international break could be crucial. For manager Martin O’Neill, having Johnston back fit and firing for the run-in might just be the boost that reignites Celtic’s title charge.
One return. One massive impact. And suddenly, the title race feels very different.
