Iheanacho Nears Celtic Return After Two-Month Injury Layoff
Celtic forward Kelechi Iheanacho is edging close to a long-awaited return after spending nearly two months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
The Nigerian striker has not featured for the Hoops since limping off during their UEFA Europa League clash against Sturm Graz in October. His absence left a notable gap in Celtic’s attack, with fans eagerly awaiting his return to full fitness.
Iheanacho recently resumed full training and was listed among the substitutes in Celtic’s 2–1 defeat to Hearts last weekend, though he did not get minutes on the pitch.
Head coach Nancy confirmed that Iheanacho will be reintroduced gradually to avoid any setbacks.
“He has trained well. After that, he needs minutes. It has been a long time, two months since he really played,” Nancy told Daily Record.
“The way we work the players who have not played regularly, we try to get them through physical work to get back into the rhythm.”
The 29-year-old is expected to feature — at least partially — in tonight’s Europa League clash against AS Roma, a game that could offer him the perfect stage to reannounce himself.
Iheanacho joined Celtic on a free transfer in the summer, with expectations high for the former Leicester City man’s experience and attacking touch.
Opinion: Celtic Need Iheanacho Now More Than Ever
There is no denying it — Celtic have missed Kelechi Iheanacho’s presence. His ability to hold up play, create space, and score from half-chances is exactly what the Hoops have lacked in tight games.
The decision to ease him in is wise, considering how tricky hamstring injuries can be. But one thing is clear:
a fully fit Iheanacho changes the entire dynamic of Celtic’s frontline.
His return brings:
Experience in big European nights
Depth at a crucial stage of the season
A fresh tactical option when Plan A isn’t working
If he finds rhythm quickly, he could be the boost Celtic need to regain momentum in the league and keep their European hopes alive. Fans will be watching closely — and hoping that tonight marks the beginning of his resurgence.
