Celtic standouts Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate could potentially be set to miss the New Year derby clash.
Japan plans a preparatory match for the Asian Cup on New Year’s Day, and will likely be keen for the squad that will compete in the tournament to be there for the match.
The proposed warm-up game on January 1st, 2024 is merely two days after Celtic’s intense clash against Rangers in the second Old Firm derby of the Scottish football season. [SunSport]
It’s borderline impossible for any of Celtic’s Japanese stars to play both games.
Celtic had a clear stance under Ange Postecoglou that the club wouldn’t ask for games to be postponed because of players’ international commitments.
The Asian Cup itself is slated between January 12th and February 10th, 2024.
This scheduling could indeed be problematic for Celtic, as not only are their Japanese stars expected to feature for their national side, but their Korean talents – Oh, Yang, and Kwon – are also anticipated to be in contention for their country during the same period. Even Tilio could be jetting off for the games.
The overlapping of club and international commitments will likely raise concerns for Celtic, as several key players could potentially be unavailable for significant domestic fixtures due to international duties. The club will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on proceedings and planning accordingly to manage the potential challenges that lie ahead.
I’m sure if it’s not a FIFA scheduled game
There’s no need to release the players
The perils of signing non-European overseas players.
Serious blow if we lose the Japanese trio.
Much less so the others mentioned!
Just shows We Need to bring On Our Own Youngsters. ..if kyogo & OH miss out we have no direct replacement Should have Signed a Striker in the Summer Everyone knew it….I Say Dereliction of Duty by the Board!! As Soon as PL came back our Ambition left the Building! !
Just apply the rules and take the postponement.
What’s the issue?