(Credit: Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Wed 12 November 2025 19:15, UK

Celtic’s injury concerns have grown after one player returned to the club and withdrew from international duty with his country.

Cameron Carter-Vickers is out for up to five months whilst fellow defender Alastair Johnston has had his injury problems at Celtic this season.

Kelechi Iheanacho, Callum Osmand and Jota are also currently sidelined, with interim manager Martin O’Neill operating with a thin squad.

O’Neill could stay at Celtic post the international break as the club continue their search for a new manager following Brendan Rodgers’ resignation last month.

Sebastian Tounekti returns to Celtic

Winger Sebastian Tounekti has been one of Celtic‘s brightest performers this season, but the 23-year-old has left the Tunisia camp to return to Glasgow for treatment on an injury.

The Daily Record [12 November], reported: “African outlet Mosaïque FM report that the wide man has been withdrawn due to medical reasons and that Tunisia will not be calling up another player in his absence.

“But Al-Araby Al-Jadeed claim that his release from the squad is a result of Celtic’s desire to nurse a suspected thigh injury. They add that the Parkhead giants have officially asked Tunisia to allow the player to rest for 10 days and that they provide Celtic will a medical certificate detailing his reported injury.”

Tounekti could be in a race against time to be fit for Celtic’s first game after the international break against St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.

Kris Boyd called Tounekti ‘outstanding’

Following the Hoops’ win at Kilmarnock in September, former Rangers striker Kris Boyd believed Celtic had found another gem in Tounekti.

“The two wingers, one [Balikwisha] obviously wasn’t great, but it looks as if the Tunisian boy [Tounekti] is another outstanding find for Celtic in that area,” Boyd said.

In what was a tough transfer window for the club, Tounekti’s late arrival looks to have been worth the wait.