Daizen Maeda has joined Reo Hatate and Liel Abada on the long-term injury list this week with Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers confirming the Japanese winger had sustained an injury in the game against Atletico Madrid. [Andrew McLean]
Maeda was sent off during that game, unjustly, with many believing VAR’s overreach and use of freeze frames stitched up the Celtic star.
The challenge he was sent off for was indeed the challenge that has sidelined Daizen up until Christmas.
It’s a massive blow for Celtic and Brendan Rodgers with Maeda playing a lot of minutes already this season for the club. His drive and pace have been pivotal at points to ensuring Celtic created the gap they have at the top of the table.
We now have to most certainly rely on Palma, Yange and James Forrest to get us through the next bit before Abada and Maeda return.
Could there also be a chance for Rocco Vata to come back into the first-team fray as a backup winger? Rodgers made it clear to the youngster at the start of the season that he wouldn’t be getting a chance this term, however, things changed.
Honestly, a blessing in disguise.