(Credit: Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Mon 13 October 2025 17:00, UK

Brendan Rodgers has received one piece of positive injury news during the international break before Celtic return to action at Dundee.

Celtic may be without Daizen Maeda and Sebastian Tounekti for the trip to Dens Park, as the Hoops look to keep pace with Hearts at the top of the table.

Maeda scored a late winner for Celtic against Motherwell last time out to ensure they kept within two points of the league leaders.

Amid the Hoops’ unconvincing start to the season, Rodgers has been linked with a Celtic exit whilst fans have been showing their frustrations with a series of protests against the board.

Alistair Johnston in contention for Dundee clash

Whilst Rodgers has been left concerned by stars Maeda and Tounekti during the international break, right-back Alistair Johnston has returned to training.

As per the Daily Record [13 October], Johnston is back in full first-team training at Lennoxtown having been sidelined since August with a hamstring injury.

The 27-year-old was expected to be out until November, meaning the Canadian has returned weeks ahead of schedule.

Celtic have ruled out Johnston leaving in January, but strong interest from the Premier League remains with an exit in the future a possibility.

Johnstone importance revealed despite Colby Donovan emergence

In Johnston’s absence, 19-year-old Colby Donovan and Anthony Ralston have stepped in at right-back.

Whilst the emergence of Donovan has been one positive for Celtic this season, Johnston has proven to be the Scottish Premiership’s strongest right-back.

Johnston also contributed four goals and 10 assists and created 48 chances last season, showing his willingness to contribute going forward with real quality.

His return may be an attacking boost as well as a defensive one for Rodgers, ahead of an important run of fixtures before the next international break in November.