Nigeria Players Abroad
Celtic issue update on possible Kelechi Iheanacho hamstring injury
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Celtic have provided an update on Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho after he sustained a suspected hamstring injury during the club’s UEFA Europa League victory over Sturm Graz on Thursday night.
The Scottish champions secured their first win of the Europa League campaign with a 2–1 result, but the triumph was marred by Iheanacho’s early withdrawal.
The in-form striker, who has made a bright start to life in Scotland, was forced off in the opening stages after appearing to pull up while chasing a pass.
Manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed after the match that Iheanacho’s injury appeared to be a hamstring issue — a development that could have implications for both club and country.
“The first two [Iheanacho and Johnston]? It doesn’t look great. It looks like hamstrings, but okay, that’s what happens,” Rodgers told TNT Sports after the match.
The Celtic boss, however, praised the players who stepped in following the early injuries.
“I thought the guys that came in did really well. Colby grew into the game and looked more secure as it went on, and Johnny [Kenny] came in, worked hard, pressed the game, and almost got on the end of a couple of chances,” he added.
Celtic’s medical team will conduct further assessments in the coming days to determine the extent of the injury. The club remains hopeful the issue is not serious, as Iheanacho has quickly become a key figure in Rodgers’ attacking setup since his summer arrival.
The development will also be of concern to Nigeria’s national team staff, with the Super Eagles set to play crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff matches in Morocco next month.
