Martin O’Neill breaks bad news on Arne Engels injury

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The Celtic Star

·15 February 2026

Martin O’Neill breaks bad news on Arne Engels injury

Martin O’Neill has confirmed ahead of today’s Scottish Premiership match at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock, that record signing Arne Engels will be missing with a thigh injury picked up in the first half against Livingston in midweek, until the end of March…

Arne Engels of Celtic has a shot on goal. Celtic v Livingston, Scottish Premiership, 11 Feb rural 2026. Photo Mark Runnacles IMAGO Shutterstock

Speaking in his pre-match interview on Sky Sports, the Celtic manager broke the bad news that Arne Engels will now miss around six weeks and is not expected to return until after the international break towards the end of next month.

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Engels was the subject of THREE massive bids on transfer deadline day earlier this month from Premier League side Nottingham Forest, with the final bid reaching £25m. However Celtic resisted the temptation to cash in as Martin O’Neill sees Engels as a vital component in the middle of the park as Celtic look for domestic success and Europa League progression.

Arne Engels of Celtic. 01.02.2026 Celtic v Falkirk, Scottish Premiership. Photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO

Arne Engels place in the team today has been filled by Reo Hatate who Martin O’Neill has been encouraging to put any thoughts of a transfer out of his mind and instead concentrate on improving his form and helping the team and that in turn will see interest in the Japanese international increase.

Reo Hatate of Celtic. Falkirk v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Falkirk Stadium, 14 January 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Hatate has been a fans favourite at Celtic but his underwhelming performances coupled with a foolish red card in Bologne in the Europa League, has tested the patience of the Celtic support.

Today’s game would be a very good time for the real Reo to step up and run the show.

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