Daizen Maeda injury casts doubt over Celtic's Old Firm preparations

Key facts

• Daizen Maeda scored the opener in Celtic's 2-1 win over 10-man Hibernian at Easter Road.
• Maeda limped off after the match due to an innocuous challenge in stoppage time.
• He has contributed six goal involvements in his last three games.
• Celtic face Rangers on Sunday, live on Sky Sports Main Event.
• Manager Martin O'Neill said he 'desperately hoped' Maeda would be fit.
• Former Celtic winger Aiden McGeady called Maeda 'the most important player over the last three games.'

Lede: Maeda's injury clouds crucial victory

Celtic's 2-1 victory over 10-man Hibernian at Easter Road came at a cost, as forward Daizen Maeda limped off after the final whistle, raising concerns ahead of next weekend's Old Firm derby against Rangers. Maeda, who opened the scoring in the first half, was seen without a boot after the match, favouring his foot following an innocuous challenge in stoppage time. The Japan international's fitness is now in doubt for Sunday's showdown, which could determine who sits atop the Scottish Premiership.

Maeda's recent form makes potential absence a major blow

Maeda has been in scintillating form, contributing six goal involvements in his last three appearances. Prior to last month, he had scored only once in 2026, but his resurgence has been timely for Celtic. Manager Martin O'Neill has preferred Maeda as a central striker in recent weeks, a role in which he has thrived. His potential absence would leave a significant void in Celtic's attack ahead of the Rangers match.

Manager and pundit express concern over Maeda's fitness

O'Neill said he 'desperately hoped' Maeda would be fit for the Old Firm clash, acknowledging the forward's importance to the team. 'It was an innocuous challenge, but he's a key player for us,' the manager added. Former Celtic winger Aiden McGeady echoed the sentiment, stating, 'He's been the most important player over the last three games. Hopefully he is fine because it was an innocuous challenge. It looked more of an impact challenge.'

Old Firm derby stakes: title race hangs in the balance

Celtic's match against Rangers on Sunday, broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, could decide who leads the Scottish Premiership. Rangers face Hearts on Monday, and a win would put them level on points with Celtic before the derby. The Hoops' victory over Hibernian was hard-fought, with the home side reduced to 10 men. The result keeps Celtic in contention, but Maeda's injury casts a shadow over their preparations.

Celtic's broader season: trophy haul and ongoing campaigns

Celtic, founded in 1887, are one of the most decorated clubs in world football, with over 100 trophies. They have won the Scottish league championship 55 times, the Scottish Cup 42 times, and the Scottish League Cup 22 times. Their crowning achievement remains the 1967 European Cup, making them the first British club to win the competition. Off the pitch, the club has opened its season ticket renewal window and recently held its Player of the Year awards. The focus, however, remains on the pitch and Maeda's fitness.

Outlook: Celtic await fitness update ahead of derby

Celtic's medical staff will assess Maeda in the coming days, with the club likely to provide an update before Sunday. O'Neill may need to adjust his tactics if Maeda is ruled out, potentially turning to other attacking options. The Old Firm derby is always a high-stakes affair, but this edition carries extra weight given the title implications. Celtic will hope Maeda recovers in time to lead the line.

The bottom line

• Daizen Maeda's injury threatens Celtic's attacking plans for the Old Firm derby against Rangers.
• Maeda has been in exceptional form, with six goal involvements in his last three games.
• Manager Martin O'Neill and pundit Aiden McGeady both emphasised Maeda's importance to the team.
• The derby could decide the Scottish Premiership lead, with Rangers playing Hearts beforehand.
• Celtic's victory over Hibernian was secured despite the injury scare, but the cost may be high.