Key Celtic men Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate turned out for Japan in the most recent international break. Daizen Maeda was initially called up, but he was sent home due to injury.

Striker Kyogo netted for his country but in the next international break in November, he may not even play.

According to the Daily Record, Japan is currently drawing up a colossal list of 120 players they could call up as they look to avoid burning out their big stars and give chances to fringe players.

Iwata
Soccer Football – Pre Season Friendly – Celtic v Wolverhampton Wanderers – Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland – July 29, 2023 Celtic’s Tomoki Iwata reacts REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

They are due to face Myanmar and Syria in 2026 World Cup qualifying next month in two matches that are ideal for giving outsiders opportunities. The likes of Tomoki Iwata and Yuki Kobayashi could end up getting the call but players such as Maeda, Kyogo, and Hatate may not.

For Celtic, this would only be positive as it shields these key players from any unnecessary knocks or injuries. Particularly at a crucial part of the season, Brendan Rodgers will want his full squad available and this news could help facilitate that.

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