Celtic caretaker coach Martin O’Neill has offered a fresh update on the fitness of Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho, confirming he will not be ready for the upcoming Scottish Premiership clash against St Mirren.
Iheanacho has been out since sustaining a hamstring injury during Celtic’s Europa League win over Sturm Graz in October. While the 29 year old has made some progress in his rehabilitation, O’Neill said the St Mirren fixture “comes too soon” for his return.
In his brief stint before the injury, Iheanacho made a strong impression — scoring three goals and providing one assist in eight appearances across all competitions.
O’Neill emphasized that although Iheanacho has started doing some work, the club will not rush him back. Celtic’s schedule remains demanding, and his return is expected to be carefully managed as he continues his rehab.
Editorial
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In a game of thin margins and high ambitions, the absence of Kelechi Iheanacho is a loss that reverberates beyond mere numbers. Martin O’Neill’s caution his decision not to throw the Nigerian forward back into action for the St Mirren trip is a reminder that recovery is not a sprint, but a journey.
Iheanacho’s early contribution to Celtic this season offered genuine promise. His instinct, timing, and finishing in a side craving attacking cohesion made him more than just another signing he felt like a solution. Yet, in football’s quietest moments, when a coach must decide between risk and restraint, prudence often wins.
O’Neill’s measured approach feels right. This is not about a single match it’s about the long season, the bruising schedule, and the potential cost of a premature return. For a club aiming to contend on multiple fronts, losing Iheanacho long-term because of a hasty comeback would be a mistake too large to bear.
There is a broader lesson here as well: stars are not defined by their absence, but by how they return. If Celtic manage his comeback well — prioritising him, backing him, protecting him then his influence may yet be more profound than the weeks he misses.
But make no mistake: when Iheanacho does come back, expectations will be high. Having shown what he is capable of, the club and its fans will want him to recapture that spark only this time, with the wisdom of recovery behind him.
Did You Know?
- Iheanacho’s hamstring injury occurred during Celtic’s UEFA Europa League match against Sturm Graz.
- Brendan Rodgers, his former manager at Celtic, had previously stated the injury was “not as serious as first feared.”
- O’Neill indicated there would be a “fortnight break” in the schedule that could aid Iheanacho’s recovery.
- In his first games for Celtic this season, Iheanacho had scored three goals in eight appearances.
- During his injury update, O’Neill also confirmed other absentees: Alistair Johnston will be out for around four to five months.
