Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed that striker Kelechi Iheanacho will play no part in this weekend’s league clash against St. Mirren, SportPremi reports.
The Nigerian striker has been out of action since suffering an injury in the first half of the Hoops 2-1 win over Sturm Graz in the UEFA Europa League last month.
The injury initially looked serious, although further tests after the clash sidelined the Super Eagles forward for only a few weeks.
Iheanacho joined the Scottish Premier League champions in the summer on a free transfer after agreeing to a mutual termination of his contract at Sevilla.
The 28-year-old only joined the Spanish side in 2024, but struggled and was loaned out in January to English championship club Middlesbrough.
Before his injury, the former Leicester City forward had enjoyed an impressive start to his career at the club, with three goals and one assist from eight appearances in all competitions, including a goal on his club debut.
O’Neill provides injury updates on players
Martin O’Neill took interim charge of the club in October, following the resignation of Brendan Rodgers.
It marked the 73-year-old’s second spell at the club, after previously managing the Hoops between 2000 and 2005.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash against St.Mirren in continuation of the 2025-26 Scottish Premier League season, O’Neill provided the latest injury updates on the club’s injured players, including Iheanacho.
On Iheanacho
“Kelechi Iheanacho has done some work, but wouldn’t be ready for this (the St Mirren game)”, the 73-year-old revealed.
On Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnson
“The whole season. Funnily enough, I did ask him yesterday, did he think he would be ready for the World Cup? He said he thought that would be very doubtful. Yeah, we will not see him. I think it might be April before he’s even on grass”, O’Neill added.
“With Alistair Johnston, it’ll be four or five months. Although they had the same operation on the same day, Callum Osmand was worse, believe it or not. He’ll be five months. Obviously Jota is out now. I’ll not see him. I’ll certainly not see any of those boys.”
On Marcelo Saracchi
“He will also be out, but he’s getting close again,” he said. “I’m hoping that some of these lads, if they don’t make the Feyenoord game, would at least be available for selection for the Hibs game. Which might not bother me – or it might”, he concluded.
Celtic are seven points behind early season leaders Hearts, but will look to reduce their deficit with a win in Saturday’s clash against St. Mirren.
