Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has expressed optimism over Landon Emenalo’s fitness ahead of the clash against Motherwell FC on Sunday, revealing that the youngster could return to training with the team next week.
Emenalo, the son of former Super Eagles defender Michael Emenalo, joined Scottish giants Celtic on loan from Chelsea before the close of the summer transfer window.
The teenage defender moved to Celtic Park despite carrying an injury, which has kept him sidelined since completing his switch to the Scottish club.
Speaking during his press conference on Friday, Celtic manager Martin O’Neill provided an update on Emenalo’s fitness, expressing optimism that the youngster would return to training with the team next week.
“Yeah, I’m hoping to see him,” O’Neill said. “With a bit of luck, he’ll come up tomorrow, and he’ll start with us next week."
Despite being left out of Celtic’s UEFA Europa League squad, the former Aston Villa manager has not ruled out the possibility of Emenalo travelling with the team to face Benfica at the Estádio da Luz on Thursday.
“Of course, he’s not with the European team, so he’ll either be travelling out to Benfica with us, or we might even get some work there,” he added. “But yeah, that’s pleasing to hear.”
The youngster was signed by Celtic as a backup option to former Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney, who has struggled with injuries at various stages of his career.
Emenalo will be keen to regain full fitness and impress manager Martin O’Neill in a bid to secure regular first-team opportunities and make his senior debut for Celtic.
Adeyemi Adewale
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