Celtic are anxiously awaiting scan results for Colby Donovan after the right-back was forced off during the 2-1 victory at Dundee, potentially leaving Martin O’Neill with only one available specialist in the position for the title run-in.
The 19-year-old academy graduate was substituted for Anthony Ralston at Dens Park following an injury that now threatens his availability for the crucial final six matches. Donovan had already withdrawn from the Scotland Under-21 squad earlier this month after missing games against Czechia and Portugal with a knee problem.
The situation compounds existing defensive difficulties. First-choice right-back Julian Araujo remains sidelined with a thigh injury, while long-term absentee Alistair Johnston suffered a setback during international duty with Canada that has derailed his recovery timeline.
Should Donovan be ruled out, Ralston would become the sole recognised right-back for a demanding conclusion to the season. Celtic face St Mirren this weekend before a Scottish Cup semi-final rematch at Hampden the following week, followed by a sprint to the finish line.
The post-split fixtures include a visit to Hibernian, a home encounter with Rangers, a trip to Motherwell, and a potential winner-takes-all finale against Hearts at Parkhead. With the champions trailing by three points, any further defensive disruption could prove critical to their hopes of retaining the Premiership crown.
The club will hope scan results offer reassurance, but the pattern of setbacks in the right-back position increasingly threatens to undermine Celtic’s stability during the decisive phase of the campaign.