Daizen Maeda trained with the Celtic squad at Lennoxtown on Friday morning ahead of this weekend’s Glasgow derby.
The Japanese forward had been a fitness concern after limping off late in Celtic’s win over Hibernian last weekend at Easter Road.
Supporters immediately feared the worst after Maeda was seen heading down the tunnel in visible discomfort and removing his boot following the match. His absence from Celtic’s Player of the Year event only added further concern given the timing of Sunday’s game against Rangers.
Martin O’Neill attempted to calm fears earlier this week.
Speaking on Wednesday, the interim Celtic manager said Maeda was “making good progress” and admitted he was already feeling confident the winger would be available for the derby.
Friday’s session at Lennoxtown now appears to back that up.
🤕 Cameron Carter-Vickers & Daizen Maeda back in training ahead of a big match on Sunday, after their most recent injuries! #Celtic pic.twitter.com/C7gnBP4Q0X
— SNS Group (@snsgroup) May 8, 2026
Seeing Maeda back involved with the squad is a major lift for Celtic heading into one of the biggest matches of the season.
His form over the last few weeks has completely changed the way Celtic attack.
Maeda’s pressing from the front has dragged the entire team higher up the pitch again, while his movement in behind defenders has stretched matches in a way Celtic badly lacked earlier in the campaign.
That was obvious during the recent run of five straight league wins.
Even when performances have not been perfect, Maeda’s energy has constantly forced mistakes and created momentum during difficult spells in games.
The timing matters too because Rangers caused Celtic huge problems physically during the 2-2 draw at Ibrox back in March. Maeda’s aggression without the ball becomes even more valuable in matches like this where intensity and transitions often decide momentum.
There is still likely to be caution around his workload between now and kick-off.
But training on Friday morning is the clearest indication yet that Celtic expect one of their most in-form players to be ready.
With the title race entering its final stretch, O’Neill will know exactly how badly Celtic need Maeda available from the start on Sunday.
