Celtic have been handed fresh Kyogo Furuhashi blow

Kyogo Furuhashi has arguably been Celtic’s best player this season. And he showed that in the Scottish League Cup final against Hibernian, scoring a wonderful brace and guiding the Hoops to their first piece of silverware in a long time, also proving himself a man for the big moments. It goes without saying that he will be very vital to Ange Postecoglou’s plans throughout the campaign.

Thus, it is clear that Celtic will want him in their line up as well, when they take on the Rangers in the next Glasgow Derby of the season, scheduled for February 2.

Of course, his injury problems have been a major worry for the club, as he was not 100 per cent in the final. And his availability for the match against the Rangers is in doubt as well, as the Japan national team are set to play international games at that point of time.

There was some hope though that Kyogo might not be called up due to Japan’s strict guidelines. But now, Celtic have been handed a fresh blow in that regard.

Celtic handed fresh Kyogo blow for Glasgow Derby vs the Rangers

As reported by The Scotsman, the Japanese FA have appealed to its government to allow foreign-based players, including Celtic’s Kyogo, to return home next month for their two World Cup qualifiers.

Japan are set to face China and then Saudi Arabia, in two very important games, when it comes to their hopes of making it to the World Cup in Qatar.

Kyogo has been called up to the Japan national team regularly in recent times and if allowed, one would expect the same next month as well.

It remains to be seen how things turn out. Celtic fans are expected to be keeping a close eye on the situation as well, as not having Kyogo in the game against the Rangers would be a massive blow.