CELTIC STAR VOMITS OVER AND OVER IN THE CAMP,CELTIC HAS JUST RELEASED STATEMENT AS HE’S ‘TAKEN ILL” DURING TRAINING SESSION,NOW OUT OF OLD FIRM DERBY

Celtic’s preparations for one of the most anticipated Old Firm derbies in recent memory have been thrown into complete chaos after shocking scenes emerged from the club’s training camp, where 30-year-old Celtic forward Kelechi Iheanacho reportedly vomited repeatedly during a training session.

The incident, which witnesses described as “deeply concerning,” unfolded suddenly and dramatically, forcing coaching staff and medical personnel to intervene immediately. Within hours, Celtic released an official statement confirming that the Nigerian international had “taken ill” during training and would play no part in the upcoming Old Firm clash.

The timing could not be worse.

With the pressure already sky-high and tensions building ahead of the showdown with Rangers, Celtic now face the derby without one of their most experienced attacking options — a development that has sent shockwaves through the fanbase and ignited intense debate across Scottish football.

Disturbing scenes at training: what really happened?

According to multiple sources close to the training ground, the incident occurred midway through a high-intensity session designed to replicate match-day conditions for the Old Firm derby.

Players were reportedly working through tactical drills when Iheanacho suddenly stopped, bent over, and began vomiting uncontrollably. Staff rushed to his side as teammates looked on in visible concern. Those present say the 30-year-old Celtic player vomited several times, prompting immediate fears over his condition.

One eyewitness described the moment as “alarming.”

“It wasn’t just a case of feeling unwell for a few seconds. He kept vomiting, and it was clear straight away that something wasn’t right. The medical team didn’t take any chances.”

Training was temporarily paused as Iheanacho was escorted away from the pitch, and initial assessments were conducted behind closed doors. Within minutes, word spread throughout the camp that the striker would not return to the session.

By the end of the day, Celtic’s medical staff had decided there was no possibility of him featuring in the derby, prioritising his health above all else.

Celtic confirm illness in official statement

As rumours began circulating rapidly on social media, Celtic moved quickly to address the situation, releasing a short but significant statement.

“Celtic FC can confirm that Kelechi Iheanacho was forced to withdraw from training after taking ill during today’s session. The player is receiving appropriate medical care and will be unavailable for the upcoming fixture.”

While the club stopped short of revealing the exact nature of the illness, the phrase “taken ill” did little to calm nerves among supporters. Instead, it fuelled speculation, concern, and endless online debate.

Fans immediately questioned whether the illness was food-related, viral, stress-induced, or something more serious — especially given the physical and emotional demands placed on players ahead of an Old Firm derby.

Why Iheanacho’s absence is a massive blow

For Celtic, losing a 30-year-old player with Iheanacho’s experience is not just about goals — it’s about leadership, composure, and reliability on the biggest stage Scottish football has to offer.

The Nigerian forward has been valued for his intelligent movement, calm finishing, and ability to hold the ball under pressure — attributes that become priceless in a derby where emotions often override tactics.

Even when not starting, Iheanacho’s presence on the bench has given Celtic a tactical safety net. Now, that option is gone.

Former players and pundits were quick to underline the significance of the setback.

“In Old Firm games, experience matters just as much as form. Losing a 30-year-old forward who has played at the highest level is a real problem.”

Old Firm pressure: could stress have played a role?

While Celtic have not suggested stress as a factor, the intensity of the Old Firm derby cannot be ignored. The fixture is widely regarded as one of the most emotionally charged matches in world football, with pressure that extends far beyond the pitch.

Former professionals have often spoken about how the build-up alone can take a physical toll.

Sports psychologists have pointed out that extreme stress can manifest physically, sometimes resulting in nausea, dizziness, or sudden illness — especially when combined with intense training loads.

Whether or not this applies to Iheanacho remains unknown, but it has not stopped fans from discussing the brutal demands placed on players in the days leading up to derby day.

Fans react: concern, frustration, and fear

The reaction from Celtic supporters has been mixed — but overwhelmingly emotional.

On one hand, there is genuine concern for Iheanacho’s health, with fans flooding social media with messages of support and well-wishes.

“Football comes second. Hope Iheanacho is okay — that’s what matters.”

On the other hand, frustration is bubbling just beneath the surface. Many supporters cannot believe Celtic have been hit by such ill-timed misfortune yet again ahead of a critical encounter with Rangers.

Some fans even questioned whether the club’s medical and nutritional protocols should come under scrutiny, though others quickly pushed back against such claims.

“People need to calm down. Players get sick. It’s unfortunate, but it happens.”

What it means tactically for Celtic

With Iheanacho ruled out, Celtic’s coaching staff now face a major tactical headache.

The absence of the 30-year-old forward reduces attacking depth and limits in-game flexibility. It may force the manager to rely heavily on younger or less experienced options — players who may not have faced the psychological furnace of an Old Firm derby before.

Opposition analysts believe Rangers will see this as an opportunity to press aggressively, knowing Celtic’s options from the bench are weakened.

“This changes the dynamic. Rangers will sense vulnerability.”

Medical silence fuels speculation

One of the biggest talking points remains Celtic’s decision not to disclose further medical details. While clubs often protect player privacy, the lack of clarity has inevitably led to wild speculation.

Some reports suggest a viral illness circulating within camps across Europe, while others have floated the possibility of food poisoning. None of these claims have been confirmed.

What is clear is that Celtic have taken a cautious approach — a sign that the illness was serious enough to warrant immediate withdrawal and rest.

Medical experts agree that repeated vomiting during intense exercise is a red flag that should never be ignored.

How long will Iheanacho be sidelined?

At this stage, Celtic have not provided a timeline for Iheanacho’s return. The club is expected to monitor his condition over the coming days before deciding when he can safely resume training.

Supporters are hopeful the setback is short-term and that the 30-year-old Celtic player will not miss additional fixtures beyond the Old Firm derby.

However, with modern football’s congested schedule, there is concern that rushing him back could risk recurrence or further complications.

A cruel twist ahead of the biggest game

Football has a brutal way of delivering drama off the pitch as well as on it, and Celtic’s latest setback is a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift.

Just days before one of the most emotionally charged matches in the calendar, the club finds itself without a key figure — not through suspension or injury, but sudden illness.

As the countdown to kickoff continues, questions linger:

• Can Celtic cope without Iheanacho?
• Will his absence tilt the balance in Rangers’ favour?
• And most importantly — how quickly can the 30-year-old striker recover?

For now, Celtic supporters can only wait, worry, and hope that their star forward makes a swift and full recovery — even if it comes too late for the Old Firm derby.

One thing is certain: this is not how Celtic wanted to approach the biggest game of their season.