Celtic Manager Martin O'Neill Misses Training Amid Injury Return
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has missed training as the team prepares for Sunday's Premiership trip to Kilmarnock. The 74-year-old manager underwent a "small procedure" earlier this week and is continuing his recovery.
What Happened?
Martin O'Neill has been absent from training at Lennoxtown, leaving Shaun Maloney to oversee first-team preparations alongside coaches Mark Fotheringham and Stephen McManus. Maloney will also step in for the manager on media duty, including taking charge of Celtic's pre-match press conference this afternoon.
Why It Matters for Celtic
The availability of Martin O'Neill for the weekend fixture remains unclear, with his recovery from the procedure still in progress. The team's recent form has been impressive, with a 5-game winning streak, but the absence of their manager could be a concern.
What Comes Next?
Jota, the Portuguese winger, has continued to make progress towards his long-awaited comeback from a serious knee injury. He linked up with the first-team group during Friday's session, stepping up the final stages of his rehabilitation.
Celtic are currently 3 points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian in the title race and have a strong chance of closing the gap with their recent form. The team has scored 59 goals this season, conceding 35, and has a positive goal difference of +24.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 3rd in Premiership, 67 pts, 21W-4D-8L from 33 games, recent form WWWWW. Goals this season: 59 scored, 35 conceded (+24 goal difference). Title race: 3 points behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian. Last result: Celtic 3-1 Heart Of Midlothian (2026-05-16). Recently, Celtic have been on a 5-game winning run, with a recent form of 5W-0D-0L (WWWWW, most recent first).
Jota's Injury Return
Jota has been sidelined for over a year due to a cruciate ligament tear at Tannadice in April 2025. He has endured a difficult recovery, with several setbacks ultimately ending any prospect of featuring during the closing weeks of last season. However, he has continued to make progress towards his long-awaited comeback, linking up with the first-team group during Friday's session.
Celtic Shorts is the new home for the team from The Celtic Star. Summer Sale now on! Both books for just £20 plus P&P. Order now at Celticstarbooks.com. Quick Tip - Add Celticshorts.com as your 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you'll notice the difference straight away! - Click HERE….Hail Hail! Click to join Celtic Pools
