Celtic have been handed a huge boost ahead of their massive clash with Rangers after Martin O’Neill revealed that Daizen Maeda is making strong progress in his recovery and is now expected to be available for the Glasgow Derby.
The Japanese forward caused major concern among supporters last weekend when he was seen limping down the tunnel following Celtic’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Hibernian. With the season reaching its decisive stage and tensions already building ahead of the Old Firm showdown, fears immediately spread that one of Celtic’s most important attacking players could be facing a spell on the sidelines.
For a fanbase already dealing with a season filled with injury frustration, the sight of Maeda struggling physically was the last thing they wanted to see.
But now, speaking during the week, O’Neill has delivered a highly encouraging update that has completely changed the mood around the situation.
The Celtic boss admitted that Maeda has been progressing well behind the scenes and hinted strongly that the attacker is determined not to miss the clash against Rangers.
“He’s making good progress. That’s good news,” O’Neill said.
“He is definitely doing well. We’ve got a few days yet. He’ll want to play. There’s no doubt about it at all.
“He’s had a new lease of life in recent weeks. He’s been terrific for us.
“So I think that even at this early stage of the week, I’d be very confident that he would be on the field.”
Those comments will come as a massive relief to Celtic supporters, especially considering the impact Maeda has made in recent weeks.
The forward has once again become one of the most important players in the squad thanks to his relentless work rate, pace and pressing ability. In big matches especially, Maeda’s intensity often sets the tone for Celtic, with defenders constantly struggling to cope with his movement and energy.
His performances in recent weeks have reminded supporters exactly why he remains such a key figure for the club. Whether operating out wide or through the middle, the Japan international has consistently delivered when Celtic needed him most.
That is why the possibility of losing him ahead of such a crucial match had sparked genuine panic among fans.
The timing could hardly have been worse.
Celtic are entering one of the biggest fixtures of the season with enormous pressure surrounding the title race and the battle for momentum heading into the final games of the campaign. Even though Rangers have fallen behind in the standings, clashes between the two sides never lose their intensity or significance.
O’Neill himself admitted earlier this week that there could still be more twists before the season reaches its conclusion.
Speaking to talkSPORT, the former Celtic boss insisted the title race may not yet be fully decided despite the current state of the table.
“We’re talking about three games left, so that would be difficult to overcome at this particular stage,” he explained.
“It’s not impossible. It can happen; you can still win your games. And again, strangely enough, there are some very difficult matches for us all to come through.”
He continued by stressing that Celtic’s focus must remain entirely on winning their remaining fixtures.
“From our own position, we have to try and win the three games.
“Even that, strangely enough, at this minute, mathematically, might not be enough. But I still think there’s a couple of twists still left.”
O’Neill also admitted that results elsewhere could still play a major role in deciding the final standings.
“Strangely enough, if you’re looking at it from a viewpoint of what you can do, all we can do is attempt to win our games, which are difficult matches.
“And even if that was the case, with Hearts having a better goal difference than us, then I suppose, probably, deep down, I was looking for a draw.
“A draw’s very, very difficult to cheer on, but I think that was the case because then it was put in our own hands.
“As it turns out, mathematically speaking, it’s not actually in our own hands.”
While the title race continues to create tension, Celtic supporters will simply be hoping the squad can finally catch a break with injuries.
It has been an exhausting campaign on the fitness front for the Hoops, with several key players spending long periods unavailable.
Alistair Johnston has only recently returned to action after his own spell on the sidelines, while Cameron Carter-Vickers is not expected to feature again before the end of the season.
Jota also remains unavailable after suffering a serious knee injury last year, with the Portuguese winger still working his way through a lengthy rehabilitation process.
Young talent Callum Osmand also saw his progress disrupted after being ruled out through injury, while players including Marcelo Saracchi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Arne Engels have all dealt with fitness concerns during different stages of the campaign.
Because of that, Maeda’s likely return for the Rangers clash feels even more significant.
The Japanese attacker has become one of the few consistent sparks in Celtic’s frontline during difficult moments this season. His ability to stretch defences, force mistakes and create chaos with his pressing often gives Celtic a completely different dimension in attack.
Against Rangers, those qualities could prove absolutely vital.
Few players understand the demands of the fixture better than Maeda. His aggression, work ethic and willingness to chase every ball make him perfectly suited to the intensity of the Glasgow Derby atmosphere.
And based on O’Neill’s latest comments, Celtic fans now have every reason to believe their star forward will be ready when it matters most.
For now, all eyes remain on Maeda’s fitness over the coming days.
But after fears initially spread following the Hibs game, the latest update has given Celtic supporters genuine hope that one of their biggest match-winners will still have a major role to play in the season-defining showdown against Rangers.
