Brendan Rodgers provided a positive update CeltsAreHere on Wednesday regarding a duo of Celts who have been struggling with long term injuries.
Alistair Johnston and Marco Tilio have both not featured this season but they have taken positive steps of late regarding their recoveries.
Canadian right back Johnston sustained an ankle knock when playing for Canada back in June but has been working harder in training recently. Rodgers said: “Ali Johnston is back on the grass, running and working, he’s upping his intensity so that’s really good”
As well as the 24-year-old, another player that has not featured for Celtic this season is Marco Tilio. The Australian winger has been injured since he joined from Melbourne City in July but a positive update over his return has recently been given by Celtic’s two-time treble-winning manager.
Rodgers said: “Marco Tilio is now out on the grass as well and he’s moving and moving well so that’s great. We expect him maybe to be [back] middle of September.”
Having Tilio and particularly Johnston back in action soon will be huge for Celtic. Anthony Ralston has been turning out at right back of late and has done a sufficient job although the added bit of quality that the former Montreal man brings has certainly been missed in his absence.
Out wide, the Scottish champions do have adequate depth although the availability of another winger in Tilio who will bring a different dynamic is only positive. We still have a short while before both players are fighting fit and ready to be thrown in although this latest update from the Hoops’ gaffer is greatly welcomed.
Love Rodgers comments back on grass sounds like horse trainer or drug manegment