Daizen Maeda looks set to start for Celtic against Rangers after Martin O’Neill confirmed the striker trained without any issues on Friday morning at Lennoxtown.

There had been real concern earlier in the week after Maeda limped off late in the win over Hibernian at Easter Road. The forward headed straight down the tunnel after full-time and was later seen removing his boot while looking uncomfortable. His absence from Celtic’s Player of the Year event only added to the worry around his condition.

3rd May 2026; Easter Road, Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Hibernian versus Celtic; Daizen Maeda of Celtic appears to wince in pain on the pitch

The timing could hardly have been worse for Celtic. Maeda has been the driving force behind the team’s recent form and has dragged the attack forward during a period where others have struggled for consistency. His pressing has changed the shape of matches again. Celtic have looked quicker and more aggressive high up the pitch with him leading it.

That has mattered even more with Cameron Carter-Vickers still recovering and Viljami Sinisalo continuing in goal after Kasper Schmeichel’s injury. O’Neill’s side have needed to defend from the front because the team still looks vulnerable when games become stretched.

Maeda’s return to training gives Celtic a different level of energy heading into a derby where intensity usually decides long spells of the game.

O’Neill gave the latest update after Friday’s session at Lennoxtown.

He said: (TCW), “Yeah, Daizen, he hurt himself towards the end of the game. He’s fine.

“It is, yeah (a big boost).

“Really, really good. He’s trained a bit, he’s got no reaction. He’s going to be fine.

“Absolutely, he’s got his goals from pressing and getting important goals for us in matches.

“He’s had a super couple of weeks.”

The last line probably sums up why Celtic supporters were so concerned when Maeda went down at Easter Road.

He has been everywhere during this run-in. Goals matter, but the bigger difference has been the speed he gives Celtic without the ball. Rangers struggled with that earlier in the season when Maeda pressed their back line aggressively and forced rushed passes into midfield.

Celtic FC Daizen Maeda and Oxlade Chamberlain
Celtic’s Daizen Maeda (right) celebrates with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after scoring his sides third goal during the William Hill Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Saturday April 25, 2026.

Kelechi Iheanacho’s improvement has eased some pressure in attacking areas, but Celtic still look far more dangerous when Maeda starts and sets the tone early. Yang Hyun-jun brings pace while James Forrest can still affect matches from the bench, though neither gives O’Neill the same relentless running across ninety minutes.

With Hearts still leading the Premiership table, Celtic cannot afford to lose momentum now. Having Maeda available changes the feel of Sunday’s game immediately.