Celtic assistant says no timeline for Martin O'Neill's return after hospital procedure

Celtic’s 74‑year‑old manager Martin O’Neill is still recovering from a minor surgical procedure that required a brief hospital stay, and there is no set timetable for his return to the sidelines. Assistant manager Shaun Maloney confirmed that the former Rangers and Celtic coach has not yet been cleared for a full workload and that the decision on whether he will be in the dugout for the upcoming match will ultimately rest with O’Neill himself.

The small procedure, which was performed in the week before the club’s scheduled trip to Kilmarnock on Sunday, has left the manager’s fitness status uncertain. While the club’s medical team has been monitoring his progress, Maloney emphasized that O’Neill will decide if he can be present for the game or if an interim arrangement will be made. The match against Kilmarnock is set to take place as planned, but the coaching staff will remain flexible pending the manager’s recovery.

With the timeline still undefined, Celtic’s supporters and the media will be watching closely to see whether O’Neill will step onto the touchline or defer the decision until the day of the fixture. The club has indicated that it will support the manager’s choice, whatever it may be, and will proceed with the match preparations accordingly.