Celtic have faced strong criticism over their handling of Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho this season. The forward suffered his second hamstring injury since joining the Scottish champions in August.
The latest setback occurred during Celtic’s League Cup final loss to St Mirren on Sunday. Iheanacho lasted only 30 minutes before pulling his hamstring and leaving the pitch.
Before the injury, he appeared Celtic’s most dangerous attacking option. However, his early exit shifted momentum and weakened Celtic’s attacking threat.
Football analysts Peter Martin and Tam McManus strongly questioned Celtic’s recruitment strategy. They labelled Iheanacho a panic signing brought in without proper physical preparation. According to them, Celtic rushed the striker into intense fitness work too quickly.
Martin praised Iheanacho’s movement, strength, and link-up play in attacking situations.However, he stressed that the striker lacked match fitness after leaving Sevilla. Martin blamed Celtic for delaying recruitment until late August.
McManus echoed similar concerns about the club’s approach. He argued Celtic overloaded Iheanacho with fitness sessions to accelerate readiness. As a result, the striker suffered repeated muscle injuries.
Iheanacho arrived without a pre-season after Sevilla terminated his contract. He also played limited football during the previous twelve months. These factors increased his risk of injury significantly.
Former manager Brendan Rodgers recommended Iheanacho to the club.Rodgers had previously coached him at Leicester City. However, Rodgers departed only a month after Iheanacho’s arrival.
Now, new manager Freddie Nancy faces a difficult rebuilding task.Celtic must regroup amid fan unrest and leadership changes. The club’s season now continues without their injured striker.
