Celtic have been dealt another injury setback but there is at least some light at the end of the tunnel.

Alistair Johnston has suffered a fresh blow while away on international duty with Canada, casting further doubt over his return timeline.

The right-back is still expected to feature again this season, but hopes of him being back for the split have now taken a hit.

It’s another frustrating twist in a long-running recovery from a serious hamstring injury that has already kept him out since October.

But while that news will concern supporters, there is more encouraging progress elsewhere.

Jota is edging closer to a comeback and there is growing belief he could be ready for pre-season under Celtic’s next manager.

Interim boss Martin O’Neill provided the update, revealing the winger has endured a difficult rehabilitation process with multiple setbacks.

He said:

“He’s been out for a long time and during his rehab, he’s had a couple of setbacks.

“But I had a conversation with him about where he is with all of this.

“He had a consultation with a surgeon down in London a few days ago.

“Just when he thinks he’s going great, he gets a bit of a setback.

“These types of injuries, you think it’s straightforward and sometimes they’re not and you’re stopped in your tracks when you think you’re going well.

“I would be hoping that whoever is going to be in charge of the football club, that Jota would be ready for pre-season.

“That’s what I would be hoping for.

“It has been a fairly lengthy time he’s been out but I have no concerns in a career-threatening way.

“These sorts of injuries, in my day, were career-threatening because they were unusual.

“Now, there are lots of phenomenal surgeons across Britain, Ireland and Europe.

“So I don’t see this as being a career-threatening injury.

“If Celtic fans are worried because of the length of time he’s taken, I’d try and assure them that he will recover from this.” [SunSport]

It’s a mixed update for Celtic.

Another setback at right-back but renewed hope that one of their most talented attackers could soon be back in the fold.

It will take Jota some time to get back into the swing of things, but when he does, he could be a massive player for Celtic and whoever the next manager may be.