Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho will be out of action for a few weeks after suffering a hamstring injury during the club’s 2-1 Europa League win over SK Sturm Graz.
The forward limped off the pitch just minutes into the match after chasing a ball, prompting early concerns over his fitness.
Speaking after the game, Rodgers said the injury did not look good but expressed hope that it was not a long-term setback. “The first two doesn’t look great. It looks like hamstring,” Rodgers explained, hinting that Iheanacho and defender Alistair Johnston, who also picked up an injury, would both undergo medical assessments to determine the extent of the damage.
The injuries forced Celtic into two first-half substitutions, limiting the manager’s tactical flexibility for the rest of the match. “Our problem was in the second half we could only make one substitution. Cam (Cameron Carter-Vickers) was struggling towards the end, but we couldn’t get him off because we’d already made the subs,” Rodgers added.
Reports suggest Iheanacho’s condition may rule him out of Celtic’s next few Scottish Premiership fixtures, including the upcoming clash against Hearts. Despite the setback, Rodgers praised his team’s resilience in securing victory and assured fans that the medical team was doing everything possible to speed up the recovery process.
Fans of the Nigerian international have expressed support on social media, hoping to see him return stronger as he continues to adapt to Scottish football. Rodgers emphasized that Iheanacho’s work ethic and commitment will play a big role in how soon he returns to full fitness.
Iheanacho, who joined Celtic recently, has been a crucial addition to the squad, and his temporary absence is expected to test the team’s attacking depth. The club will be hoping to have him back in contention within the next few weeks as they continue their domestic and European campaigns.