Celtic beats Hibs 2-1 as Daizen Maeda suffers ankle injury March 2026

Celtic secured a 2-1 win at Easter Road, but the team's struggle to score goals remains a problem. This is the second game this month where the attack looked slow.
By Newsroom | Sports, Scotland |

Celtic secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Hibernian at Easter Road, a result overshadowed by lingering concerns about their offensive efficiency and the fitness of key forward Daizen Maeda. Maeda, who opened the scoring in the match, was substituted due to an apparent ankle issue, leaving manager Martin O'Neill awaiting an update on his availability. The Japanese international's dynamic movement was cited as a significant factor in Celtic's first-half dominance.

Maeda's potential absence underscores Celtic's persistent struggle to consistently convert chances, a vulnerability that nearly proved costly against Hibs. The team's offensive output has drawn scrutiny, with previous encounters highlighting a difficulty in breaking down opposition defenses even when controlling possession.

Tactical Realignments and Forward Concerns

The question of tactical deployment for Maeda has surfaced previously. Last season, his effectiveness on the left flank was well-documented. Manager Rodgers experimented with positioning him on the right, with Sebastian Tounekti occupying the left wing. This tactical shift, alongside the central role for Iheanacho, raised discussions about optimal attacking configurations.

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Celtic waiting on Maeda fitness as attacking issues nearly prove costly at Hibs - 1

The club's failure to bolster attacking options in past transfer windows has also been noted as a contributing factor to these ongoing issues. A prior Champions League exit was attributed, in part, to a lack of offensive reinforcements, leading to goalless stalemates over extended periods.

Background: Maeda's Stint and Transfer Speculation

Daizen Maeda has been a notable figure in the Scottish Premiership, recognized for his pace, work rate, and sharp finishing. His presence has been critical for Celtic, though recent reports suggested a desire to explore opportunities elsewhere. Despite potential personal ambitions, Maeda has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the current campaign. His integration into the national squad has seen adjustments, with periods of delayed arrivals attributed to final-day transfer window resolutions.

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Maeda's involvement in national team duties, including World Cup qualifiers, has also been a factor in his availability and fitness. He was previously seen training with the squad following an individual session after a match against Rangers, indicating periods of fluctuating availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the final score of the Celtic vs Hibernian match on March 5, 2026?
Celtic won the game 2-1 at Easter Road. The team controlled the first half but struggled to score more goals later in the game.
Q: Why is Daizen Maeda's health a concern for Celtic fans today?
Daizen Maeda scored the first goal of the match but had to leave the field with an ankle injury. The team is waiting for medical tests to see if he can play in the next game.
Q: How does the team's attack perform in the 2026 season?
The team is finding it hard to score enough goals even when they have the ball most of the time. This problem has been happening for a long time and makes it difficult to win games easily.
Q: What tactical changes did the manager make during the Hibernian game?
The manager played Sebastian Tounekti on the left wing and put Iheanacho in the center. These changes were made to help the team score, but the attack still faced challenges finishing chances.