The Real Reason Behind Kuhn’s Absence: Knee Injury Sidelines Celtic Winger for Rangers Clash
Celtic supporters were left wondering about the absence of key winger Nicolas Kuhn from the matchday squad for the crucial Old Firm derby against Rangers on Sunday, May 4th, 2025. While speculation might have swirled in the lead-up to the highly anticipated clash, the real reason behind Kuhn’s omission has now been confirmed: a knee injury sustained in the prior fixture.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers addressed the media, clarifying that the dynamic German winger was unavailable due to “real soreness in his knee.” The injury reportedly occurred following a robust challenge during Celtic’s midweek encounter against Dundee United.
Despite the medical team’s efforts and Kuhn being given every opportunity to recover in time for the derby, the discomfort persisted. Rodgers revealed that Kuhn was unable to participate in training sessions throughout the week leading up to the Rangers showdown, ultimately leaving the manager with no choice but to exclude him from the squad.
The absence of Kuhn was undoubtedly a setback for Celtic. The winger has become an increasingly influential figure in Rodgers’ side, known for his direct running, creative flair, and ability to unlock defenses. His pace and attacking intent would have been a valuable asset against their fierce rivals.
However, Rodgers offered a glimmer of hope for Celtic fans, expressing optimism that Kuhn’s knee issue wasn’t overly serious. The manager stated his hope that the winger would be “okay for next week,” suggesting a potential return to the pitch for Celtic’s subsequent league fixture against Hibernian.
While Kuhn’s absence was a blow for the derby, the confirmation of a relatively minor knee issue will be a relief for Celtic supporters. They will be eager to see the influential winger back in action as soon as possible, particularly with the season heading into its final stages and crucial matches on the horizon. For now, Celtic had to navigate the Old Firm battle without one of their key attacking threats, hoping their squad depth would be sufficient to secure a positive result at Ibrox.
