Celtic v Celta Vigo: Injury Blows, TV Details and a Fascinating Reunion

Celtic return to European action on Thursday night knowing that their Europa League campaign desperately needs a victory. But Martin O’Neill faces significant selection problems ahead of Celta Vigo’s visit to Paradise.

Sunday’s remarkable 7-1 demolition of Hearts has restored confidence. Now comes the challenge of translating that domestic brilliance onto the European stage.

Celtic v Celta Vigo: Kick-off time and TV channel

The match takes place at Celtic Park on Thursday, 22 October 2026, with kick-off at 8pm UK time.

TNT Sports 3 will broadcast the match live, with coverage scheduled from 7.45pm. Supporters can also stream the game through HBO Max with an eligible sports subscription.

Celtic’s official match centre will provide updates throughout the evening.

Celtic team news: Three major absences confirmed

Assistant manager Shaun Maloney delivered an important squad update on Wednesday.

Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston have both resumed training, but neither will feature against the Spanish visitors. The pair could return for Sunday’s trip to Hibernian.

Auston Trusty is also unavailable because of a private matter, leaving O’Neill with a considerable defensive headache.

There is better news concerning Oliver Sørensen, who has returned to Scotland and is expected to be included in the squad.

Yang Hyun-jun remains unavailable, while Jota cannot feature because he was omitted from Celtic’s submitted Europa League squad.

Callum Osmand’s fitness is another talking point following his precautionary withdrawal against Hearts.

Celta Vigo face problems of their own

The visitors are also dealing with injuries.

Former Celtic defender Carl Starfelt is sidelined, denying him an emotional playing return to Celtic Park.

Spanish international Borja Iglesias is another significant absentee, while Miguel Román and Álvaro Núñez have also featured in the visitors’ injury concerns.

Veteran forward Iago Aspas remains a player Celtic must respect. His intelligence, movement and experience could punish even the slightest defensive lapse.

O’Neill’s remarkable Celta Vigo connection

There is a fascinating historical dimension to this fixture.

In 2002, O’Neill’s Celtic eliminated Celta Vigo from the UEFA Cup, progressing on away goals after Henrik Larsson scored in Glasgow and John Hartson struck in Spain.

That victory formed part of the unforgettable journey to Seville.

Twenty-four years later, O’Neill is once again preparing to face the Spanish club.

Celtic cannot afford another European failure

Both teams have lost their opening two Europa League matches.

Celtic have already suffered defeats against Ferencvaros and Benfica, conceding seven goals across those fixtures.

The attacking football against Hearts was magnificent, but Thursday demands something more: defensive organisation, relentless concentration and the courage to impose themselves against European opposition.

Maloney has acknowledged the importance of Celtic’s home performances to qualification.

For me, this is where Celtic must make their statement.

Seven goals against Hearts demonstrated their potential. Three points against Celta Vigo would demonstrate genuine European progress.

And with O’Neill’s remarkable history against these opponents, what better occasion to begin turning this campaign around?