Rodgers issues warning after injury blows hit site-forward Iheanacho

In a gritty comeback victory, Celtic FC secured a 2-1 win against SK Sturm Graz, but the triumph was overshadowed by injuries to two key players. Manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed that striker Kelechi Iheanacho and full-back Alistair Johnston both picked up suspected hamstring problems during the match.

Just minutes into the game, Iheanacho was forced off after pulling up, while Johnston also exited in the first half with a similar issue. Rodgers described the injuries simply as “It doesn’t look great. It looks like hamstrings.”

Despite the physical setbacks, Celtic showed character in turning the game around. Rodgers acknowledged that the squad will need to assess the extent of the damage, saying they will “see what it is in the morning” and prepare for potential absences.

With the club facing a busy schedule of critical fixtures ahead, the timing of the injuries raises concerns about depth and readiness. Rodgers emphasised that the performance was the focus, but the blows to key personnel can’t be ignored.

Editorial

We watch closely as Celtic navigate this challenging moment. Our view is that when a club of this stature stumbles into injury trouble especially in vital positions like striker and defence the ripple effects can test both squad depth and managerial foresight. Iheanacho’s exit so early in the contest against Sturm Graz highlights a vulnerability: lean resources at forward, and the burden on others to step up when key men falter.

It is our belief that Rodgers must now marshal both his personnel and his message. On the pitch, he needs to manage without his number-nine and a trusted full back off it, he must instil belief and resilience. Celtic’s response in this match was commendable, but the question remains whether they can sustain that standard in the face of mounting pressure and injuries.

We see this phase as a test of culture as much as capability. A club’s backbone is revealed when adversity strikes. Will the replacements grab their opportunities and maintain the tempo? Will the senior stars remain fit and influential? These answers will shape Celtic’s trajectory, not just today, but across the gruelling weeks to come. We stand convinced the true measure of this squad will be how it handles the absence of Iheanacho and Johnston, and whether the response matches the ambition at hand.

Did You Know?

1. Kelechi Iheanacho previously played under Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City between 2019 and 2023, giving the manager first-hand experience of his qualities.
2. Alistair Johnston returned earlier this season from a lengthy hamstring lay-off, making the recent setback a frustrating recurrence for him.
3. A hamstring injury in football typically sidelines a player for between four and eight weeks depending on severity and whether a tear is involved.
4. Celtic’s victory over Sturm Graz was their first in this season’s UEFA Europa League 2025–26 after a period of inconsistent form.
5. Rodgers’ car metaphors comparing the team’s performance to a “Range Rover Sport” after a “Honda Civic” was referenced previously have become a talking point among fans and media alike.