Celtic manager Martin O’Neil has provided an update on the fitness status of Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho ahead of the Hoops’ crunch Scottish Premiership clash against Hearts, Footynaija.com reports.
Iheanacho has been on the sidelines since mid-December after pulling his hamstring in the 35th minute of Celtic’s Scottish League Cup final defeat to St. Miren.
The Nigeria international now seems to be edging closer to a return to action after over one month in the treatment room as he returned to training earlier this week.
However, Celtic boss O’Neil has cooled expectations of a return for the 29-year-old striker in the immediate term, stressing that while he’s been training, it may still take some time before he can return to competitive action.
“He trained today, yes, I think that might be his second day,” O’Neill told a press conference on Friday.
“He didn’t travel with us, but he’s been doing some training. And he did fine today, I’m glad to see him back, that helps us if that’s the case.
“It might be a bit of a stretch to start him in a game at the moment, but at least he’s going to be available.”
Before his injury setback, Iheanacho registered ten appearances across all competitions for Celtic and produced four goal contributions (3G, 1A) within that time.
The former Manchester City star’s injury took him out of contention to make Eric Chelle’s final Super Eagles AFCON squad after he initially made the cut in a provisional list.
Based on O’Neil’s words, it’s difficult to see Iheanacho returning to action before the end of January. Barring any unforeseen circumstances though, he should be fully fit and ready to go by the time February comes around.
