Martin O’Neill's Recovery: Maloney Leads Celtic Training Ahead of Kilmarnock Match

Martin O’Neill stayed away from Celtic’s final training session before Sunday’s Premiership trip to Kilmarnock as he continues his recovery from a short spell in hospital this week.

The 74-year-old underwent what the club described on Wednesday as a “small procedure”, with the expectation he would be discharged within 48 hours. He is now recuperating at home and has not returned to Lennoxtown, leaving his coaching staff to steer preparations for Rugby Park.

Maloney steps up as O’Neill recovers

With O’Neill sidelined, Shaun Maloney took charge of first-team training on Friday, flanked by coaches Mark Fotheringham and Stephen McManus. The trio drove the session as Celtic completed their work for what is traditionally one of the more awkward away assignments on the calendar.

Maloney will also front up the media duties in O’Neill’s absence, handling the pre-match press conference and the usual round of questions over selection, tactics and his manager’s condition. What he cannot answer yet is the one issue that will dominate the build-up: whether O’Neill will be fit enough to return to the technical area by Sunday.

At this stage, that call remains unresolved. Celtic have not confirmed if their manager will travel, and his availability for the weekend fixture is still to be determined.

Jota offers timely lift

There was at least one unmistakable boost at Lennoxtown. Jota rejoined the first-team group, a sight Celtic supporters have waited more than a year to see.

The Portuguese winger stepped up the final phase of his rehabilitation from the serious knee injury that has kept him out of competitive action since April 2025. He tore his cruciate ligament at Tannadice and has since endured a gruelling road back, with setbacks that wiped out any hope of featuring in the closing weeks of last season.

On Friday, though, he was back among his team-mates, moving with the squad as he edges closer to a full return. Match minutes will still require medical clearance and careful management, but his presence on the grass brought a different energy to the session.

As Celtic head for Rugby Park with their manager’s involvement still uncertain, the image of Jota back in the fold offers a reminder of what could soon be added to their armoury.