Celtic given AFCON warning sign

Just as Celtic are preparing for the arrival of a new manager three summer signings could be about to move out, missing a critical period of fixtures.

The African Cup of Nations runs from Sunday December 21 through until the final on Sunday January 18

AFCON CALL UPS

Michel-Ange-Balikwisha and Kelechi Iheanacho have been named in their nations squads, Sebastian Tounekti is expected to be in the squad named by Tunisia.

FIFA have ruled that players must be released to their nations on December 15, the day after Celtic’s League Cup Final against St Mirren.

Straight away Celtic have a rearranged game with Dundee United at Tannadice, followed by matches against Aberdeen at home followed by Livingston and Motherwell away. The first fixture of 2026 is a Glasgow Derby.

Nigeria have named a 54 man squad which will be trimmed down to 26 ahead of the competition starting.

Iheanacho hasn’t played since October 23 when he went off injured early in the match against Sturm Graz.

JANUARY WINDOW

There are only four Celtic matches before players have to be released for AFCON.

Celtic have become used to being without Iheanacho, signed on September 1 after another failed transfer window.

So far he has started six matches and been used three times as a substitute.

While Iheanacho, Tounekti and Balikwisha haven’t been used much recently they are important squad players.

If all three move off on December 15 a heavier burden will be placed on a squad that is already stretched.

All the more reason to announce signings on December 31- just like in 2021 when Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Yosuke Ideguchi.