Wilfried Nancy recently provided an update on Kelechi Iheanacho, signaling that the Celtic striker is making significant progress in his recovery from injury. Iheanacho has been out of action since suffering a hamstring injury during a Europa League match against Sturm Graz in October.
Kelechi Iheanacho’s Comeback Progress
At 29 years old, Iheanacho has returned to full training, although he missed out on playing time in Celtic’s recent 2-1 defeat to Hearts. Nancy confirmed that while Iheanacho isn’t yet ready for a full match, he could potentially contribute against Roma in their upcoming Europa League clash.
- Injury sustained: October, during a match against Sturm Graz
- Age of Iheanacho: 29
- Last match played: Unused substitute vs. Hearts
- Upcoming match: Europa League against Roma
Nancy stated, “He has trained well. After that, he needs minutes. It has been a long time, two months since he really played.” He emphasized a cautious approach to reintegrating Iheanacho into competitive play, aiming to manage his training effectively to restore his rhythm and fitness.
Nancy on Handling Criticism
Following the disappointing performance against Hearts, Nancy has faced criticism regarding his coaching methods and approach. Despite this, he remains focused on preparing his team for the upcoming match against Roma and is determined not to be distracted by negative comments.
Nancy noted, “It is part of the job… I decided to shut down everything.” He acknowledged the emotional impact of criticism but expressed his commitment to focusing on his responsibilities as a coach.
As the Celtic boss, Nancy understands the significance of the club’s heritage and the passion of its supporters. His priority remains on maximizing the team’s performance and ensuring they are prepared for future challenges, including their return to European competition.
Looking Ahead
Celtic fans will be keenly watching Iheanacho’s fitness progress and are hopeful he will be able to make critical contributions in the forthcoming matches. With a careful balance of physical training and match readiness, Nancy aims to bring Iheanacho back into the fold as Celtic continues its campaign.
