It had looked like Kyogo was going to get some rest as Ange Postecoglou named a much changed Celtic starting XI for the game against Real Betis. With nothing riding on the game in terms of the club’s fate in Europe, and especially with the number of injuries that the Hoops had going into the game, one would have hoped for the Japanese star to sit this one out. But that was not to be.
With Albian Ajeti being forced off the pitch with an injury in the first half itself, Postecoglou decided to bring Kyogo on. And it turned out to be a huge mistake.
Kyogo himself appeared to pick up a hamstring injury in the second half and was forced off the pitch, in what is a massive worry for the Hoops.
Postecoglou’s update on the situation after the game did not provide much hope either. As reported by The Scotsman, the Celtic manager said about Kyogo’s injury:
"“We’ll see. It’s not good. We would’ve preferred to have given Kyogo less time (on the pitch).”"
Postecoglou’s Kyogo injury update will worry Celtic fans
Celtic have some huge games coming up. With the Scottish Premiership title race looking close, every league game is important. And they also have a League Cup final against Hibernian a little over a week away, as well as a Glasgow Derby against the Rangers at the turn of the year.
It is very possible that Kyogo, who has been the club’s talisman this season, could miss all of these games. That is not good news for the club, especially when you remember how badly the Hoops struggled without him earlier in the campaign.
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Kyogo should have never been brought on in the game against Real Betis with nothing riding on the result. His injury though could end up having huge implications on Celtic’s season.
One can only hope that Kyogo recovers fully and returns to the pitch as soon as possible. Best of luck.