Martin O'Neill issues fresh injury update on Super Eagles striker Iheanacho pre-Kilmarnock

Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill has provided a fresh update on the injury status of Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho ahead of his side’s Premiership clash with Kilmarnock.

The striker has missed Celtic's last four matches, against Hearts and Falkirk in the Premiership, Rangers in the League Cup and Midtjylland in the Europa League.

Iheanacho suffered a hamstring injury during the opening minutes of Celtic's 2-1 victory over Sturm Graz on October 23.

Although earlier reports suggested the Super Eagles forward was close to returning to full fitness, O'Neill has now confirmed a setback, revealing that the former Leicester City star will remain sidelined until after the upcoming international break.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, O’Neill said: "It's definitely an issue, he's going to be a few more weeks. Obviously after Sunday, we've got this fortnight break.

"We'll see how things go from there, but he certainly won't be available for Sunday anyway."

Iheanacho had been pushing for a recall to the Super Eagles ahead of their crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon's Panthers.

Before his spell on the sidelines, the 2013 Fifa U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner had registered four goal involvements in eight appearances across all competitions.

The 29-year-old joined Celtic in September following the mutual termination of his contract with Sevilla.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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