Daizen Maeda’s condition at full-time in Celtic’s win against Hibs immediately raised concern, and it was not difficult to see why.
Maeda was hobbling off with his boot removed, and the visual alone suggested something more serious than a simple knock for the Celtic winger.
That concern only grew given how important Maeda has become to Celtic in recent weeks, with his influence clear in key moments.
There was no immediate clarity from Celtic boss Martin O’Neill, and the lack of detail only added to the sense this could be a real setback at a crucial stage of the season.
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What Celtic fans saw from Daizen Maeda at full time told one story
Maeda had already opened the scoring in Celtic’s win at Easter Road, continuing a run that has made him central to O’Neill’s attacking front line.
That made the full-time scene more significant, because this was an important player dealing with what looked like a genuine issue.
Martin O’Neill underlined that importance when discussing the situation, stressing how much Celtic rely on the forward and stating we need him.
The combination of visible discomfort and that level of reliance made the moment feel far more serious than it actually was.
Michael Gannon’s Celtic insight changes the Maeda picture completely
Michael Gannon offered a clear explanation that cuts through that initial concern.
The journalist said, “Somebody stood in his foot, I’m told behind the scenes. I think someone’s trod in his foot.
“So it’s not an impact thing. It wasn’t an ankle strain or a ligament strain. I think somebody stood in his boot.
“As you know, these boots seem to be a pair of slippers, aren’t they? They don’t have much protection in them. So I think they’re sore when they’re in Bridges’ boot.
“But I think the chat is he’ll be all right.”
What looked like a potential injury concern for Celtic was simply the result of contact that caused pain rather than damage.
The initial reaction from O’Neill was understandable, but the underlying reality is clear. Maeda is expected to be fine, which removes any immediate concern.
That clarity matters, because this was a moment that appeared significant but ultimately changes very little for Celtic.
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