Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has confirmed it is unlikely that Kyogo Furuhashi will start in next week’s Scottish Cup, Glasgow Derby semi-final against Rangers.
The 27-year old made his long-awaited return during Saturday’s 7-0 win over St Johnstone, with fans delighted at seeing the frontman back in action.
His return comes at an excellent time for the squad too, with some crucial final fixtures of the season, added with the injury concern of Giakoumakis yesterday.
Speaking in the aftermath of that game, Ange revealed his delight at seeing Kyogo back in action but revealed that next week’s game might come just too early for him to earn a starting spot.
“I’m pleased for him because he is a great guy. And a super footballer,” he said, as quoted by Sun Sport.
“He was so important at the beginning of the year when we really needed somebody to step up.
“The whole group has watched him work really hard on his own in rehab, so it was great to get him back out there.
“Whenever somebody is out for a significant amount of time you have to be a bit more careful.
“I wouldn’t think we will be throwing him in next week. I doubt he’ll start next week.
“But if we can get him some more game time in the next couple of weeks you think he would be ready to go the last three or four games.”
Although it seems extremely unlikely that Kyogo will make a return to the starting line-up, just having him back in the squad will come as a massive boost for Postecoglou and his side.
The Japanese internationalist could prove crucial off the bench at Hampden, where he has enjoyed success earlier this campaign in the Premier Sports cup final.
Who knows, maybe Ange has started the mind games ahead of next Sunday early. But, having not featured for a number of months, it would certainly be a huge surprise.
