Despite scoring a goal-of-the-season contender against Rangers on Saturday, Celtic centre-forward Kyogo Furuhashi missed out on Japan’s squad for the 2024 Asian Cup. It was a snub few expected, particularly after his strike on the weekend.
From a personal point of view, Kyogo will be hugely disappointed not to attend the major tournament, but Celtic won’t be complaining. He has come back to form over the past few games, and his goals could prove crucial in January.
On X, former Hoops striker Chris Sutton reacted to the news. He said: “Result for Celtic this”
Sutton is not wrong, although Kyogo’s availability post-winter break does in no way negate the need for a striker to be signed in January. Fans are expecting two to three notable, first-team-ready additions this month.
It remains to be seen which positions will be strengthened, but there have been links to a left-back and centre-back already. Whatever happens, the signings must be ready to come in the door, contribute immediately, and help The Bhoys in their tussle for the title.
Admittedly a surprising decision made by Japan, but delighted all the same.
Don’t understand the decision especially when Maeda seems to be used through the centre in the kyogo position, so can only think it is made upon Maeda able to a job in the wider position also imo?
Yet Maeda has been poor since his return from injury and Hatate deemed not even fit enough to even be part of the match against the scum, so why was he even on the subs bench?
A few strange decision making going on currently regarding our Asian players and will just be happy when this nonsense of a tournament is finally concluded without any more disruption to our season imo