Celtic’s forward line is under a cloud of uncertainty as the club approaches next weekend’s Old Firm encounter, following the unsettling sight of Daizen Maeda limping off after the 2-1 triumph over a reduced Hibernian side. The Japanese international opened the scoring at Easter Road, extending his recent rich vein of form, but his post‑match limp – the result of a seemingly harmless challenge in stoppage time – has sparked fresh concerns about his availability for the pivotal showdown with Rangers.
Maeda’s resurgence has been a bright spot for Martin O'Neill’s men. After a barren spell that saw him net only once in 2026 up until last month, he has now been directly involved in six goals across his last three outings, a contribution that has helped Celtic stay competitive in a tightly contested title race. O’Neill has openly expressed his anxiety, saying he "desperately hoped" the forward would be fit for the upcoming match, which could decide the league leaders if Rangers manage to beat Hearts on Monday. The potential loss of Maeda would be a serious setback.
In recent weeks O’Neill has preferred to deploy him as a central striker, and former Celtic winger Aiden McGeady has highlighted how vital Maeda’s influence can be when he is at his best. "He’s been the most important player over the last three games," McGeady said, adding that the challenge appeared more of an impact nature than a dangerous one. "I’m hoping he’s fine. Martin O’Neill will be sweating.
His ability to fire on all cylinders is invaluable for this team." Even though Celtic managed to see out the win, the performance exposed lingering problems in the final third. The team created few clear‑cut chances despite Hibs being reduced to ten men for more than 70 minutes, underscoring a broader issue that has plagued the Hoops throughout the season. To date, Celtic have scored 64 goals in 35 league matches – a stark contrast to the 103 they had amassed by the same point last season, indicating a drop of 38 goals.
That decline in firepower could become a decisive factor in the title race, especially as Celtic’s goal difference now trails both Hearts and Rangers. Former Scotland international James McFadden summed up the situation after the game: "They’re lacking in front of goal because of their quality in the final third. You can’t say they didn’t play well in the first half, but the same patterns keep emerging – there’s no penetration." McFadden pointed to a specific moment when a Nygren run was nullified because the supporting runner failed to make a timely decision, allowing the defense to recover. He contrasted this with last season’s instinctive, decisive finishing, noting that the current side appears hesitant and slower in the attacking third.
"They don’t have that urgency they used to have. The runs and passing lack the bite we saw before. When Hibs went down to ten men, Celtic didn’t exploit the space enough, aside from the first goal." He also criticised the tendency to play the ball backwards rather than pushing forward, arguing that such hesitation gives defenders time to regroup and press.
"If your first thought is to drive forward, the defender must be forced back. When you retreat, the defender can reset and press again," McFadden explained.
Amid the broader attacking concerns, Kelechi Iheanacho emerged as a surprising hero on the night. The former Leicester striker made a decisive impact off the bench, reinforcing his reputation as a player who can change games regardless of whether he starts or comes on later. O’Neill praised his contribution, saying, "He’s been terrific.
Against Dundee he came on and won the game for us. He made a big impact in the Scottish Cup semi‑final and continued that form here.
He’s a proper centre‑forward." McFadden added his own endorsement, noting that Iheanacho brings the intensity required in the press and knows how to position himself effectively. "He knows his position, holds the ball up well, and when he comes on he creates problems for the opposition.
If there’s a chance, he’ll take it – he has that instinct at the right moment," he said. Looking ahead, the stakes are high. If Maeda recovers, Celtic will have a potent focal point to lead the line against a Rangers side eager to close the gap at the top.
If he remains sidelined, the onus will fall on other attackers like Iheanacho to fill the void, while the team must address the systemic issues of creativity and urgency that have limited their goal output. The upcoming Old Firm fixture, broadcast live on Sky Sports, promises to be a litmus test for O’Neill’s side. A win could propel Celtic back into contention for the title, but a poor showing may cement their status as runners‑up in a season that has already seen a noticeable dip in attacking efficiency. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely, hoping that the Japanese striker’s fitness is confirmed and that the team can rediscover the cutting edge that has defined their most successful campaigns.
In the meantime, supporters can keep up with the latest developments, match highlights, and league standings through Sky Sports’ platforms, including WhatsApp updates and free highlight reels, ensuring they stay informed as the Scottish Premiership race intensifies.