Celtic have been hit with a potential injury concern over Daizen Maeda, with reports from Japan suggesting the forward could miss his country’s Kirin Cup clash with Paraguay.
According to respected Japanese outlet Gekisaka, Maeda sat out training on Friday morning due to “tightness” in his foot, casting serious doubt over his availability for the upcoming fixture. The 27-year-old had joined up with his national team squad ahead of matches against Paraguay tomorrow and then Brazil next Tuesday.
Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu has not yet publicly commented on the issue, but Maeda’s condition will now be closely monitored. Any aggravation of the problem could have repercussions for Celtic, who return to action in just over a week with a hectic schedule that includes Dundee (away), Sturm Graz (home), and Hearts (away) in a demanding seven-day stretch.
While Maeda’s situation is being assessed in Japan, Reo Hatate, who was not included in the international squad, is continuing training at Lennoxtown. He was pictured in training alongside Callum McGregor, James Forrest, Auston Trusty and other first-team players not called up by their countries.
Meanwhile, Shin Yamada, another Japanese cap at the club, was also not selected for international duty and remains in Scotland.
Celtic will be hopeful Maeda’s issue is minor, especially given the crucial run of games ahead. His last-minute winner against Motherwell before the break may have been the spark he needed to kick-start his season and the Hoops can ill afford to lose him now.
