Celtic handed concerning Daizen Maeda injury news

Celtic have been dealing with a number of fitness issues ahead of the most important part of their season, with the Premiership and the Scottish Cup still up for grabs. Unfortunately, the recent international break has not been kind to the Hoops and they have now been given some concerning news regarding Daizen Maeda.

The Japanese forward has established himself as a key player in Ange Postecoglou’s team. Thus, they will surely want to have him available for selection ahead of so many key matches.

But it looks like Maeda is not fully fit at the moment. He could not take part in the Japanese national team’s matches during this international break and has been sent back to Parkhead early in order to continue his recovery.

As reported by Glasgow Live, Maeda will return to Lennoxtown early for treatment after not featuring for his nation and a statement from the Samurai Blue read:

"“We would like to inform you that Daizen Maeda (Celtic) will leave the Samurai Blue due to an injury as they prepare for Colombia on Tuesday, March 28. There is no call-up of a player to replace Maeda.”"

Celtic handed concerning Maeda injury news

Celtic fans will be hoping that the matter is nothing serious and is only a matter of precaution. Maeda is very important part of the current set up and they simply cannot afford to have him for so many key matches coming up.

Not only are Maeda’s goals and assists important to Celtic, but his work-rate and relentless pressing going forward as well. They do not have a player who can fill in that role at the moment.

But at the same time, the Hoops do have a lot of quality in that area of the pitch, even if they might not be a like-for-like replacement for Maeda. Sead Haksabanovic has been impressing in recent games off the bench and if Maeda is out of action for any considerable amount of time, one would expect him to get the nod from the start.