Martin O’Neill delivers encouraging Landon Emenalo update as Celtic await long-overdue return

Celtic supporters have finally received some positive news regarding Landon Emenalo, with Martin O’Neill hopeful the young defender will begin training alongside his new teammates next week.

The 18-year-old joined the Scottish champions on a season-long loan from Chelsea towards the end of the summer transfer window. However, an injury sustained while training with his parent club has delayed his introduction to life at Celtic Park.

Emenalo is yet to feature in a matchday squad or be seen training with the first team, leaving supporters waiting for answers about when he might finally become available.

His prolonged absence has become even more significant following Kieran Tierney’s withdrawal from the Scotland squad because of injury, increasing the attention on Celtic’s options at left-back.

Asked about Emenalo’s recovery on Friday, O’Neill offered an encouraging update, suggesting the teenager could start working with the squad next week.

The Celtic boss also indicated that the youngster could either travel with the team to Lisbon to face Benfica or remain behind to continue his rehabilitation and training.

While the update will come as a relief to supporters, there is no suggestion that Emenalo is immediately ready to return to competitive action. His first priority will be getting back onto the training pitch and building up his fitness after an extended period on the sidelines.

When Celtic initially secured his services, O’Neill had suggested that the defender might be unavailable for only a couple of weeks. More than a month later, however, he is still waiting to make his debut for the club.

Emenalo was recruited to provide competition and additional cover for Tierney at left-back, but his injury has prevented Celtic from benefiting from that extra option during the early part of the campaign.

There is also a limitation regarding his European involvement. The teenager was not included in Celtic’s Europa League squad, meaning he cannot feature against Benfica on Thursday, even if he travels to Portugal with the team.

O’Neill must therefore decide whether the trip would help Emenalo integrate with his new teammates or whether staying in Scotland would allow him to concentrate on his recovery.

Liam Scales and Jordan Lotomba remain alternative options on the left side of defence, although Emenalo was brought in to offer another natural option in that position.

After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the Chelsea loanee, Celtic finally appear to be moving towards the next stage of his recovery. Supporters will now be hoping the youngster can return to training next week and begin making progress towards his long-awaited debut.