When the line ups were announced for the game between Celtic and Dundee United, a lot of Hoops fans were concerned, as Giorgos Giakoumakis was nowhere to be seen. The Greek striker has mostly been an impact substitute this season but remains a very, very important member of this team. While Ange Postecoglou’s side won 9-0 on the day, that remained a worry.
Giakoumakis might have been scoring goals left, right and centre, but his injury history is not great. Thus, it is not hard to understand why many Celtic fans might have feared the worst when they did not see his name on the team sheet.
Ultimately though, as it turns out, there is nothing to be worried about and Giakoumakis has not picked up an injury.
As reported by 67 Hail Hail, while speaking on Sky Sports Main Event in his pre-match interview, Postecoglou confirmed that Giakoumakis had only missed the game due to illness and is expected to back in mid-week against Ross County.
Celtic receive Giakoumakis boost amid concerns
Kyogo Furuhashi showed his class against Dundee United as well, by scoring a first-half hattrick, setting the tone for what would turn out to be a 9-0 win for Celtic away from home.
There are many who believe though that Giakoumakis needs to be playing more than he has. And one has to agree, as the Greek striker has been brilliant in the little time that he has spent on the pitch.
Thus, the challenge for Postecoglou will be to find a way where he can get both Kyogo and Giakoumakis on the pitch at the same time, which is not going to be simple, considering both are playing so well through the middle.
At the end of the day, it is a wonderful headache to have, when you have too many great players and that is certainly something Celtic are dealing with at the moment.