Kelechi Iheanacho holding his hamstring during Celtic vs St Mirren League Cup final
Celtic’s growing injury concerns took another painful turn after Nigerian international Kelechi Iheanacho was forced off during the League Cup final against St. Mirren with a recurring hamstring problem.
The setback is particularly worrying for the Hoops, as the 29-year-old striker had only just returned from a two-month injury layoff caused by a similar hamstring issue picked up in a UEFA Europa League clash against Sturm Graz.
After a slow and cautious recovery, Iheanacho had been eased back into action, making the bench against Feyenoord and Hearts before featuring in Celtic’s Europa League defeat to AS Roma last Thursday. The Super Eagles forward managed 45 minutes in that match, his first real taste of competitive football in weeks.
Despite concerns around his fitness, new Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy handed Iheanacho a starting role in the League Cup final, hoping to accelerate his return to form.
Before the match, Nancy openly acknowledged the striker’s situation:
“He has trained well. After that, he needs minutes. It has been a long time, two months since he really played. For the moment, obviously, he is not fit to play a lot of minutes, but a few minutes, yes.”
Iheanacho began the final in encouraging fashion, linking play intelligently and troubling the St. Mirren defence. He came close to opening the scoring, forcing an outstanding save from goalkeeper Shamal George with a powerful header.
However, disaster struck in the 33rd minute. While chasing a through ball, Iheanacho suddenly pulled up and grabbed his hamstring — the same area that has plagued him all season. Although he attempted to continue, he was eventually withdrawn as a precaution and replaced by Johnny Kenny.
The latest injury blow deepens Celtic’s fitness crisis and raises fresh questions about Iheanacho’s long-term future at the club. While he initially impressed after arriving with a respectable goal return, recurring injuries have prevented him from building momentum.
With his one-year contract nearing its end, this setback could prove decisive in shaping Celtic’s plans and Iheanacho’s next career move. For now, both player and club will anxiously await scan results, hoping the damage is not severe.
Celtic fans will be hoping this is the last chapter in a frustrating injury saga, but the timing could hardly be worse for a striker desperately in need of rhythm and confidence.
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