Celtic have come under fire over their handling of Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho after he suffered a second hamstring injury since joining the Scottish champions in August.
Iheanacho lasted only 30 minutes in Celtic’s League Cup final loss to St Mirren on Sunday before breaking down with a hamstring problem, despite being one of his side’s standout performers before the setback.
Football analysts Peter Martin and Tam McManus criticised the club’s recruitment and fitness management, describing Iheanacho as a “panic buy” and accusing Celtic of overloading the forward despite his lack of match fitness following his exit from Sevilla.
Speaking on PLZ Soccer, Martin said Iheanacho had clear qualities but was not physically ready for the demands placed on him. He blamed the club for signing a player late in the window without adequate preparation and rushing him into competitive action, leading to repeated injuries.
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McManus echoed the concerns, arguing that Celtic attempted to fast-track Iheanacho’s fitness after his arrival, only to pay the price. He said the striker had been hurried back into the team due to a lack of options, resulting in another breakdown, despite showing he could be a valuable asset when fully fit.
Iheanacho joined Celtic on the recommendation of former manager Brendan Rodgers, under whom he previously worked at Leicester City. However, Rodgers’ departure barely a month after the transfer left the 29-year-old without continuity or a clear long-term plan at the club.
The forward arrived at Parkhead without a pre-season, having had his Sevilla contract terminated, and had seen limited game time in the year before his move to Scotland, compounding concerns about his physical readiness.
The latest injury comes amid wider instability at Celtic, with chairman Peter Lawwell stepping down from the board following reports of abuse and threats from disgruntled supporters unhappy with the club’s transfer dealings and football strategy.
New manager Freddie Nancy, who once coached Iheanacho during a brief spell at Columbus Crew, now faces the task of steadying Celtic’s season as he copes with the absence of the injury-hit striker.
