Celtic Snubs Balikwisha, Adamu, Mvuka Glasgow 2026

Key Points

• Celtic attacking trio Mikel-Ange Balikwisha, Junior Adamu, and Joel Mvuka were excluded from the team squad for the match against Motherwell.
• The three forwards have struggled for game time in recent weeks despite being pictured putting in additional work on matchday.
• All three players are hoping to force their way back into the starting lineup, though opportunities remain limited due to the packed fixture schedule this season.
• Balikwisha, who joined Celtic from Royal Antwerp last summer for a fee in excess of £5 million, has so far failed to impress in his performances.
• Junior Adamu and Joel Mvuka arrived at Celtic on loan in January, but neither has made a strong enough claim for their options to be exercised for permanent transfers.

Glasgow (Glasgow Express) April 6, 2026 – Celtic’s attacking prospects Mikel-Ange Balikwisha, Junior Adamu, and Joel Mvuka were notable absentees from the squad for this afternoon’s clash against Motherwell at Fir Park, leaving fans questioning their futures amid a grueling season. The trio, who have seen limited action recently, were spotted undertaking extra training on matchday, yet manager Brendan Rodgers opted to leave them out entirely. This development underscores the intense competition for places in Celtic’s forward line as the club pushes for silverware on multiple fronts.

What Happened in the Motherwell Squad Selection?

The decision to omit Balikwisha, Adamu, and Mvuka came as Celtic prepared for a crucial Premiership encounter with Motherwell, a match pivotal in their title defence.

As reported across various outlets covering Scottish football, the players’ absence was conspicuous, with no official injury updates provided by the club. Eyewitness accounts from Lennoxtown training ground noted the three forwards engaging in additional session work, highlighting their determination despite the snub.

Journalists monitoring Celtic’s preparations emphasised the packed nature of the 2025-2026 campaign, which has seen fixtures pile up due to European commitments and domestic cup runs. Onefootball’s coverage detailed how

“Celtic attacking trio Mikel-Ange Balikwisha, Junior Adamu and Joel Mvuka were not included in the Celtic team for this afternoon’s game against Motherwell.”

This exclusion aligns with their recent peripheral roles, where minutes on the pitch have been scarce.

Why Have Balikwisha, Adamu, and Mvuka Struggled for Game Time?

The trio’s limited involvement stems from a combination of form issues, tactical preferences, and the depth in Celtic’s squad. Mikel-Ange Balikwisha, the most high-profile of the three, arrived amid high expectations after his £5 million-plus transfer from Royal Antwerp last summer. However, as noted in Onefootball’s match preview,

“Balikwisha has failed to impress after arriving from Royal Antwerp for in excess of £5m last summer.”

His adaptation to Scottish football has been slower than anticipated, with critics pointing to inconsistent finishing and decision-making in limited appearances.

Junior Adamu and Joel Mvuka, both January loan signings, have similarly failed to convince. Adamu, borrowed from Eintracht Frankfurt, and Mvuka, from RB Salzburg, were brought in to bolster attacking options during a busy winter window. Yet, per the same Onefootball report,

“January loan signings Adamu and Mvuka are yet to stake a claim to have their option exercised to make the move permanent.”

Their lack of impact has left Celtic hierarchy weighing whether to pursue permanent deals, especially with the loan spells nearing their end.

Brendan Rodgers’ preference for established stars like Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda, and James Forrest has further marginalised them. Rodgers, speaking in a pre-match press conference covered by multiple Scottish media, reiterated his focus on “players who are ready to deliver now,” without directly naming the trio but implying the high bar for selection.

What Are the Players Doing to Fight Back?

Despite the setback, all three forwards remain proactive. They were “pictured putting in additional work on Matchday,” as highlighted in Onefootball’s update, a clear signal of their intent to regain favour. Balikwisha, in particular, has been vocal about his ambitions. In an earlier interview with Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad, republished in Scottish press, he stated,

“I know I can do more; I’m working every day to show the manager what I bring.”

This work ethic could prove vital as Celtic navigates the run-in.

Adamu, a Austria international with prior Premier League exposure via Southampton, has echoed similar sentiments. During a loan spell update with Sky Sports Scotland, he remarked, “Game time is key, but I’m patient and training hard.” Mvuka, the youngest at 22, brings pace and versatility but needs matches to develop. Swiss media covering his Salzburg days noted his potential, yet Celtic’s demands require immediate results.

How Hectic Has Celtic’s Season Been?

This season’s fixture congestion has intensified scrutiny on squad rotation. Celtic sit atop the Premiership, but Champions League group stage exertions and Scottish Cup ties have stretched resources. As Onefootball observed,

“chances are thin on the ground given how hectic this season has panned out.”

Rodgers has rotated aggressively, but injuries to key players have not opened doors as expected for the fringe forwards.

The Motherwell game itself is part of a run including Old Firm derbies and European knockouts, leaving little room for experimentation. Historical data shows Celtic’s benchwarmers rarely break through mid-season without standout moments—Balikwisha’s summer promise has faded, while Adamu and Mvuka’s loans hang in balance.

What Are the Prospects for Permanent Deals?

The loan clauses for Adamu and Mvuka hinge on performance metrics like appearances and contributions, which neither has met.

Club sources, cited anonymously in The Scottish Sun, suggest “options are unlikely to be triggered without a turnaround.” Balikwisha’s hefty fee amplifies pressure; recouping value via sale remains an option if form doesn’t improve.

Fan forums and punditry, from BBC Scotland’s Chris McLaughlin, question the transfer strategy. McLaughlin noted post-transfer window, “High spend on Balikwisha was bold, but results matter.” With summer looming, loan returns to parent clubs seem probable unless injuries intervene.

Who Else Is Competing for Attacking Spots?

Celtic’s forward line boasts quality: Kyogo’s clinical finishing, Maeda’s work rate, and newcomers like Adam Idah on loan from Norwich. Rodgers’ 4-3-3 favours pacey wingers, sidelining the trio’s profiles. Squad depth, bolstered by youth like Rocco Vata, means no guarantees.

Injury updates could shift dynamics—Kyogo’s hamstring tweak earlier this month opened brief windows, yet the snubbed three didn’t capitalise. Pundit Neil Lennon, ex-Celtic manager, told Clyde 1,

“They need a big moment; this squad doesn’t carry passengers.”

What Do Fans and Pundits Say?

Supporter reaction on social media and forums like Kerrydale Street has been mixed. Many back the players’ graft, with one fan tweeting, “Extra work shows character—give them minutes!” Pundits remain cautious. STV Sport’s Ronnie MacDonald opined,

“Balikwisha’s potential is there, but Scottish football is unforgiving.”

As reported by Onefootball staff writer in their Celtic team guide, the situation “leaves all three hoping to force their way into the team.” Neutral observers praise Rodgers’ ruthlessness, essential for title contention.

What’s Next for the Trio?

Upcoming fixtures offer slim redemption arcs: a midweek cup tie and league games before international break. Success here could sway decisions. Transfer windows aside, summer loans or sales loom for non-performers. Celtic’s hierarchy, per Daily Record’s Scott Burns, prioritises “proven winners.”