67 Hail Hail lists every Celtic player who missed out on a call-up for the current October international break and why.
Alistair Johnston (Canada)
Johnston is still recovering from the hamstring injury he sustained during Celtic’s 0-0 draw with Kairat Alamty at Parkhead.
However, Canada boss Jesse Marsch said last week: “Alistair is already starting to get on the pitch and do some individual work.
“And that should bode well for him potentially making an early return and being available for our games in November.”
Auston Trusty (USA)
Trusty’s defensive teammate and fellow compatriot Cameron Carter-Vickers was called up by the USMNT to play Ecuador and Australia.
But Trusty has only just recovered from a heel injury and hasn’t played for the Hoops since August 20 in the Champions League play-off first leg.
Yang Hyun-jun (South Korea)
Yang has six caps for South Korea and earned three of those this year.
But the winger is not a regular starter for Celtic and it’s probably a factor in why national team boss Hong Myung-bo has decided not to pick him.
Kelechi Iheanacho (Nigeria)
Iheanacho is starting to find his rhythm now at Celtic having scored against Motherwell on Sunday. But it’s not been enough to warrant a Nigeria call-up.
The striker last played for the Super Eagles in May when they beat Jamaica on penalties. Since then, Iheanacho has been snubbed.
Arne Engels (Belgium)
Engels enjoyed a terrific 2024 for the Belgium national side as he earned his debut and went on to make four caps in two months.
2025, however, has been a different story. Engels has struggled for form at Celtic and now finds himself fourth choice midfielder. As a result, his national team career has been put on hold.
Marcelo Saracchi (Uruguay)
Saracchi racked up five caps for Uruguay in 2024, all of which came in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and three of which were 0-0 draws.
He was on the bench against Argentina in March but has not been called up since. He’s been good for the Bhoys since signing on loan from Boca Juniors, so he may feel a tad hard done by.
Reo Hatate (Japan)
Hatate hasn’t played for Japan since March when they drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia. In fact, he’s only played 28 minutes for them since June 2024.
He clearly isn’t fancied by Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu, while his recent hamstring injury may have factored into the decision as well.
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