Celtic have been dealt a potential blow as Daizen Maeda has officially withdrawn from Japan’s squad due to injury.
The forward missed the Samurai Blue’s 2-2 draw with Paraguay in the Kirin Cup and was initially expected to return for the clash against Brazil. However, the Japanese Football Association (JFA) has now confirmed that Maeda will not feature at all, citing injury as the reason for his early departure.
Maeda has been training alone during the camp, and although the injury isn’t believed to be major, he will now return to Glasgow for further assessment by Celtic’s medical team.
This will be a concern for manager Brendan Rodgers, with Celtic already light on options in the final third. With Kelechi Iheanacho still building fitness, no natural right winger in the squad, and Adam Idah not replaced after his summer departure, Maeda’s absence would be a major blow, especially ahead of a demanding schedule post-break that includes trips to Dundee and Hearts and a European tie against Sturm Graz.
Celtic will be hoping the injury is minor and Maeda can recover in time to feature soon.
The Hoops will have Alistair Johnston back in training, though. The right-back has been out since the first leg of the Kairat Almaty tie.
Tha Wee man huz been xrayed so much by Cfc’s doctors, he is becoming see through??????
and his legs are beginning tae glow!!!!
Noo be that long before Diezen huz faded away fae view.
Kind of like he huz noo become.
Noo fae tha support though, we can still see and cheer yae up.