Super Eagles star hit with hamstring problem after recently returning from injury

The 29-year-old striker has been plagued by fitness issues, having only recently returned from a two-month layoff due to a similar hamstring injury sustained in a UEFA Europa League match against Sturm Graz.

After a slow recovery that saw him on the bench against Feyenoord and Hearts, Iheanacho made his comeback last Thursday.

The Super Eagles star played 45 minutes in Celtic's 3-0 Europa League defeat to AS Roma on Thursday.

Ahead of the final, new Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy had acknowledged the forward's need for game time to regain his form.

"He [Iheanacho] has trained well. After that, he needs minutes. It has been a long time, two months since he really played," the French coach told the Daily Record. "For the moment, obviously, he is not fit to play a lot of minutes, but a few minutes, yes."

Despite these concerns, Nancy handed Iheanacho a starting spot against St. Mirren, a decision that ultimately backfired. 

The former Manchester City player began the match brightly, showing sharp link-up play and forcing an excellent save from Saints goalkeeper Shamal George with a powerful header.

However, his promising start was cut short. In the 33rd minute, while chasing a through ball, Iheanacho pulled up abruptly, clutching the same hamstring. After a brief attempt to continue, he was substituted for Johnny Kenny as a precaution.

Iheanacho initially impressed at Celtic with a solid goal return, but this latest setback casts further doubt on his future at the club, with his one-year contract nearing its end.