Former Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi was not included in Birmingham City’s matchday squad on Saturday, despite travelling with the team ahead of their Championship fixture.
The Japanese forward made the trip for the game against Charlton but did not make the 20-man squad. It continues a difficult spell for the former Celtic favourite, who has struggled for minutes since the turn of the year.
Kyogo’s last appearance came in January when he made a brief substitute appearance against Stoke City. Since then he has slipped further down the attacking order at Birmingham, with other forwards preferred by manager Chris Davies.
The situation comes only weeks after the striker turned down the chance to return to Celtic during the January transfer window. The Hoops explored the possibility of bringing Kyogo back on loan as they looked to strengthen their forward options.
Davies said: (The Birmingham Mail), “That’s just a selection.”
A move to Major League Soccer could still be an option before the end of the month. The MLS transfer window remains open until late March, which means Kyogo still has time to make a switch if Birmingham decide to move him on.
Kyogo had travelled with the squad for the match but ultimately missed out when Davies finalised his team. The short explanation from the Birmingham manager suggests there was no injury concern behind the decision.
At the moment Birmingham’s attack is being filled by other options. Marvin Ducksch has kept his place as the main striker, while January signing August Priske has been used as cover from the bench.
That leaves Kyogo on the outside looking in at a club currently sitting mid-table in the Championship. It is a very different position from the one he held at Celtic, where his movement and finishing made him one of the most reliable scorers in the squad.
Celtic had hoped to bring him back to Glasgow earlier this year when injuries and form issues left them light in the striker position. Kyogo decided to remain in England and fight for his place.
For now that fight has not led to regular football. While he continues to travel with the team, the former Celtic striker is still waiting for another opportunity to get back onto the pitch.
