Martin O’Neill has confirmed that both Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand will undergo surgery next week, ruling them out for an extended spell.
The interim Celtic boss delivered the news after his side’s 4–0 win over Kilmarnock, admitting it was a tough blow for two players who have already endured a frustrating run of injuries.
Johnston has been sidelined since the Europa League clash against Sturm Graz, where scans later revealed a hamstring tear. Osmand, meanwhile, was stretchered off against Midtjylland after suffering a similar issue. Both players had been undergoing further assessment, but O’Neill has now confirmed that surgery is the next step.
It’s a major setback for Celtic’s squad depth, particularly with a busy schedule ahead. Johnston has been one of the team’s most dependable performers at right-back, while Osmand had been showing signs of real progress before his injury halted that momentum.
O’Neill was clear in his post-match comments that the club will give both players the time and support they need to make a full recovery. His tone was matter-of-fact but sympathetic, knowing how hard the pair have worked to establish themselves in the team.
He said: (TCW), “The other two lads, Osmand and Johnston, are having surgery on Tuesday so they are going to be out for a long time.”
O’Neill’s update leaves no doubt about the seriousness of the situation. Surgery means both players will miss a significant portion of the season, likely keeping them out until the new year at the earliest.
It’s especially cruel for Osmand, who had started to make an impression in the first team. His energy and movement offered something different up front, and he’ll now need to focus on recovery and rebuilding fitness once he’s back on his feet.
For Johnston, it’s another setback in a stop-start campaign. The Canadian full-back has been one of Celtic’s most consistent defenders since arriving, and his absence will once again test the squad’s depth on the right side.
O’Neill’s focus will now shift to reshaping his options heading into the next run of fixtures. The Irishman knows the injuries are a blow, but his message was one of patience and perspective, both players will be given the best possible care to ensure they return stronger in the months ahead.
