Celtic Target Suffers Long-Term Injury Blow

By
Mark Devlin
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Celtic’s focus is firmly on Fir Park tomorrow night, but a fresh injury blow for one of Hearts’ key men could still have implications in the title race and beyond.

Martin O’Neill’s side head to Motherwell knowing there is no room for error. With just two Premiership fixtures remaining, Celtic sit a point behind Hearts, who welcome Falkirk on the same night.

Sunday’s Derby win shifted the mood around the club.

Six straight victories at the business end of the season have dragged Celtic right back into the title race and secured their place in the Scottish Cup Final. There’s a sharpness and belief about the side now that simply wasn’t there a few months ago.

Celtic FC's Daizen Maeda
3EECE2E Celtic’s Daizen Maeda celebrates after the William Hill Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Sunday May 10, 2026.

Supporters can sense it, and so can the players.

While attention remains on the run-in, Hearts manager Derek McInnes has confirmed a major blow involving two key players, including reported Celtic target Marc Leonard.

Leonard, on loan from Birmingham City since January, has impressed in midfield during Hearts’ title push and recently found himself linked with a possible summer move to Celtic Park.

Craig Halkett has also been central to Hearts’ season at the back, particularly during difficult spells where they found ways to grind out results.

But both men are now facing lengthy spells on the sidelines after suffering serious injuries in the draw with Motherwell.

McInnes said (PLZSoccer):

“Both Achilles ruptures, significant injuries, both will be out from seven to nine months.”

 

That effectively ends any immediate talk surrounding Leonard and a potential move to Celtic this summer.

It is also a significant setback for Hearts heading into the final two matches of the season, one of which could yet decide the title in Glasgow’s East End on Saturday.

No one inside Celtic will be getting carried away. O’Neill and his players know the job still isn’t done.

They’ve had enough injury problems of their own this season.

Cameron Carter-Vickers was recently spotted back out on the training pitch, and O’Neill admitted the defender is pushing hard to get himself available again before the campaign ends.

The return of Alistair Johnston has already made a massive difference.

Celtic look calmer and more balanced with him in the side. His quality stands out immediately, and his influence has helped drive the current winning run since the split.

Three post-split victories on the bounce have turned pressure into genuine belief.

Now it comes down to these final two games. All eyes will be on Fir Park tomorrow night as Celtic attempt to keep the momentum going and force Hearts to respond.