Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy has confirmed that striker Kelechi Iheanacho has suffered a further hamstring injury, though the length of his absence remains unclear.
The Nigeria international had only recently returned from injury, featuring as a substitute in Thursday’s Europa League match against Roma before starting Sunday’s League Cup final loss to St Mirren. However, his comeback was cut short as he was forced off during the first half after appearing to grab his hamstring, making it evident he could not continue.
Speaking after the match, Nancy confirmed it was another hamstring issue but said no timescale has yet been determined for Iheanacho’s return.
There were also concerns over Anthony Ralston, who left the pitch injured, but Nancy has since confirmed the defender is fit and available for Celtic’s trip to Dundee United on Tuesday night.
“Ralston is fine,” Nancy said. “But Kelechi will be out. It’s a hamstring injury, but at this moment I don’t know how long he will be sidelined.”
Meanwhile, Nancy dismissed suggestions that he has something to prove amid early scrutiny following his first few matches in charge.
“This is part of the job,” he said. “I’ve worked in Europe before, so I understand how it goes. It was the same in MLS, just not with the same intensity. I’ve also been a player, so this kind of reaction doesn’t bother me. People can say what they want — I understand that.”
The Celtic boss stressed that his focus remains firmly on his players and performances rather than external criticism.
“I don’t have to prove anything to anyone,” he added. “My job is to work well with my players, prepare properly in training, and help the team win matches. I just need to be consistent with my ideas and do my job as well as I can.”
Nancy acknowledged that taking over midway through the season presents challenges but insisted he was fully aware of the situation before accepting the role.
“I’ve only been here 10 days,” he said. “I knew coming in that it could be difficult, especially joining in the middle of the season. There was always going to be adversity, but I’m very happy to be here and committed to doing my job. In time, things will move in a more positive direction.”
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