Kelechi Iheanacho Returns to Full Training After Muscle Injury
After a month-long absence, Celtic’s forward Kelechi Iheanacho is back in training, signaling a positive recovery.
The Nigerian international, who has been sidelined for four weeks due to a muscle strain, has resumed training with Celtic ahead of their upcoming Europa League encounter, according to Soccernet.ng.
Iheanacho sustained the injury early in Celtic’s Europa League fixture against Sturm Graz in late October, exiting the pitch just four minutes into the game. This setback caused him to miss six consecutive matches, including key fixtures against Hearts, Falkirk, Rangers, Midtjylland, Kilmarnock, and St. Mirren.
The injury also ruled him out of Nigeria’s recent international fixtures against Gabon and DR Congo, denying the Super Eagles a key attacking option.
Nevertheless, the 29-year-old striker has now been declared fit and ready for selection. Sky Sports recently posted footage of Iheanacho training alongside his Celtic teammates as they prepare for their Europa League match against Feyenoord at the iconic De Kuip Stadium.
Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi have rejoined Celtic training ahead of Thursday’s #UEL clash at Feyenoord ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/6myeauiC82
– Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) November 26, 2025
Anticipated Debut Under New Manager Martin O’Neill
Kelechi Iheanacho’s last appearance for Celtic came under the management of Brendan Rodgers, who has since departed the club. The Northern Irishman’s exit paved the way for Martin O’Neill’s appointment as head coach.
While it’s improbable that Iheanacho will be named in the starting lineup immediately following his recovery, he is expected to feature as a substitute during Thursday’s match. This cautious approach is common for players returning from injury to avoid overexertion.
As Iheanacho integrates under O’Neill’s leadership, he will be eager to impress and secure a consistent role within the squad.
With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations just weeks away, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle will undoubtedly monitor Iheanacho’s form closely. Should he regain his scoring touch and contribute significantly at Celtic, Iheanacho stands a strong chance of being selected for Nigeria’s squad heading to Morocco.
Kelvin Omachonu
Kelvin Omachonu is an experienced football journalist with over five years of expertise in covering major sporting events and crafting insightful, data-driven narratives. A University of Ibadan alumnus, Kelvin’s passion for football fuels his compelling storytelling. His work has been featured in prominent publications such as IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, and Sportspremi. Outside of football, he enjoys basketball, cinema, and exploring new music genres.
