Celtic manager Martin O’Neill will not be present for his team’s Scottish Premiership clash with Kilmarnock on Sunday, following his recent hospitalization.

O’Neill is currently recovering at home after undergoing “a small procedure” earlier this week. In his absence, assistant Shaun Maloney will lead the Scottish champions at Rugby Park.

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The 74-year-old Northern Irish manager is reported to be on the mend, but the timing of the match does not allow for his attendance.

There is a possibility that O’Neill could return for the Premier Sports Cup tie against Dundee United next weekend.

O’Neill signed a one-year contract in June to become the permanent manager after two interim periods last season, which resulted in a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double.

During a pre-match press conference on Friday, Maloney shared that he had been in contact with O’Neill about the upcoming match.

“It was really positive,” said Maloney, a former Celtic and Scotland midfielder. “He was in good form—loads better than he was Monday, Tuesday. Hopefully that sort of positive feeling he has continues.

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“We’ll definitely miss him if he’s not there, but you also have to respect what’s happened over the last few days. The impact he’s had since October has been incredible—what he does with the players and staff has been remarkable.

“So, while we will miss him, we will be prepared. We have some brilliant senior players, but we’ll let him make the call.”

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill will not be in the dugout for his side’s Scottish Premiership match against Kilmarnock on Sunday following his midweek hospital stay.

O’Neill is convalescing at home after undergoing “a small procedure” earlier this week and assistant Shaun Maloney will take charge of the Scottish champions at Rugby Park.

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The 74-year-old Northern Irishman is understood to be recovering well, but the match has come too early for him to attend.

O’Neill could potentially return for the Premier Sports Cup tie against Dundee United next weekend.

He signed a one-year deal in June to become permanent manager after two interim spells last season culminated in a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double.

Speaking at a pre-match media conference on Friday, Maloney said he had spoken to O’Neill about the match.

“It was really positive,” the former Celtic and Scotland midfielder said.

“He was in good form – loads better than he was Monday, Tuesday. Hopefully that sort of positive feeling he has continues.

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“We’ll definitely miss him if he’s not there but you also have to respect what’s happened the last few days.

“The impact that he’s had over, what was it, since October, it’s been nothing short of incredible really – the things that he does with the players and the staff.

“So we will miss him, but we’ll be prepared. We’ve got some brilliant senior players, but we’ll see. We’ll let him make the call.”