With games coming thick and fast in a packed festive schedule, Celtic will need as many players fit and ready as possible. There is welcome news, as one player won’t be travelling to the Africa Cup of Nations this month.
It’s already been confirmed that Sebastian Tounekti and Michel-Ange Balikwisha will be joining Tunisia and DR Congo’s squads for the latest edition of the tournament, which is taking place in Morocco.
Kelechi Iheanacho, however, won’t be a part of Nigeria’s 23-man squad. The striker has recently returned from injury and has not been selected for the three-time champions.
He came off the bench in Celtic’s defeat to Roma last night, missing a crucial chance when 3-0 down, while also scoring a goal that would eventually be ruled out for offside.
Before that loss, the last time he featured was in the 2-1 win over Sturm Graz back in October.
His return has come too late to be in with a shout at being involved in the African tournament, but it’s a welcome boost for the Hoops.
With Daizen Maeda and Johnny Kenny the only recognisable options up front for Wilfried Nancy’s side, it’s highly likely that Iheanacho will be called upon to lead the line from the start in the near future.
He has three goals and one assist in nine appearances so far this season.
