As Celtic approaches the crucial stages of the season, manager Brendan Rodgers finds himself with a healthy and competitive squad, bolstered by the return of many key players from injury and suspension.
The return of Hyunjun Yang following a suspension, adds further depth to the team, particularly in the attacking department.
Yang’s return to action comes at a pivotal time for Celtic, especially given his improved form before his suspension.
South Korea Under-23 manager Hwang Seon-hong has expressed hope that Celtic will release Yang for the upcoming Under-23 Asian Cup in Qatar.
The competition takes place on 15 April to 3 May 2024. So he’ll miss matchday 33, if he travels and be back for matchday 37 and 38. He’ll also miss the Scottish Cup semi final if he’s called up.
This tournament not only serves as a prestigious international competition but also offers a pathway to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Celtic faces a decision on whether to allow Yang to participate in the tournament. While the competition does not fall within a FIFA international window—meaning Celtic is not obligated to release him—Hwang’s clearly really wants to have key players available for national team duties.
He said: [Daily Record]“There are many variables about the overseas players, but we will prepare with hope. We will also think about other options a little bit. I think I have to do it. We have selected the best players. The overseas players would join up three days before the first game so they could play at the weekend for their clubs.
“I have been told Bae Jun-ho is waiting for an answer from Stoke City. The other overseas players, I have heard nothing saying they won’t be in Qatar.
“I’m trying to make a decision quickly, but it’s difficult to give a definite answer right now. It would be an incredible achievement to qualify for a tenth time in a row and I need my best players to do that.”
Yang’s potential involvement could see him miss critical matches for Celtic, posing a challenge for Rodgers as he navigates the team’s ambitions on both domestic and international fronts.
However, its not all bad on the right hand side, with Rodgers having a few options there.The excellent form shown by Nicolas Kuhn and James Forrest could fill the void that Yang’s absence will leave. Palma and Maeda can also play on the right if need be.
Would be a ridiculous decision from ourselves to release yang at this stage of the season imo?
Certainly hope it doesn’t happen either.
Yet the decision making within the club has been somewhat insane at times this season, so who knows what decision could be made yet upon this issue?