Celtic’s current injury list is vast. The number of players the Hoops currently have unavailable is sizeable, although a few seem to have made speedy recoveries.
In the latest episode of ‘Lennoxtown Unfiltered’ on the Celtic TV Twitter account, duo Oh Hyeon-gyu and Yuki Kobayashi were pictured in full, first-team training. Hoops’ gaffer Brendan Rodgers said the former would be out for 4-6 weeks three weeks ago, so his recovery is evidently ahead of time.
The return of the South Korean striker in attack will be greatly welcomed by Celtic going into the weekend. Over the past few weeks, the Bhoys have had to rely solely on Kyogo at centre-forward, however, Oh’s return will take some of the burden off the shoulders of the Japan international as well as provide a different dynamic up top.
Kobayashi being back this soon was somewhat unexpected, too. The defender last played in a pre-season friendly with Yokohama F. Marinos, and after twisting his ankle in that game, wasn’t due to be back until during the upcoming international break. Just like Oh, he has made a speedy recovery, his presence boosting Rodgers’ centre-half options.
In the training video, it should also be noted that Sead Haksabanovic appeared happier than ever. The Montenegrin was the fuel for controversy on Instagram last weekend after he quipped ‘If they don’t see your value maybe you’re not at the right place’.
The winger, though, looked unfazed as he and his teammates prepared for the maiden Glasgow Derby of 2023/24. Ahead of it, the returns of Oh and Kobayashi are encouraging.
The striker will likely play a part on Sunday, with the Hoops failing to score in each of their last two matches. Kobayashi could be involved but with the likely arrival of Nat Philips on loan and the availability and match-sharpness of Liam Scales and Gustaf Lagerbielke, he may not be needed.
