With the Rangers losing earlier in the weekend, Celtic had the chance to put themselves one step away from league triumph with a win away in Perth. St Johnstone are bottom of the Premiership table and many had expected a routine victory for Brendan Rodgers' side. Instead, they conceded in the 4th-minute of the game and could not find an equaliser despite having 80% possession and 26 attempts.
Another thing that left the supporters concerned was Daizen Maeda's early substitution on the day. He was brought off in the 61st-minute of the game for Adam Idah.
At that point, Celtic were chasing a goal. So, why would Rodgers take their most consistent goalscorer off? Someone who has scored for fun in recent times and already has 30 goals to his name this season.
It is a decision that confused many. While Maeda was not having his best game, surely just having him on the bench increased Celtic's chances of scoring. Going with two strikers up top would have made sense considering the game situation. There were some who feared that the Japanese international had picked up a knock.
Why would you take off Maeda with half an hour to go when you need a goal? Guy has been scoring goals out of nothing all season, surely he must have a knock.
— Inside The SPFL (@AgentScotland) April 6, 2025
Celtic: Daizen Maeda injury concern amid treble chase
The last thing that Celtic need right now is for Maeda to pick up an injury. He has been Celtic's best player this season and by some distance, considering the struggles that Nicolas Kuhn has faced in the second half of the campaign.
If Maeda has to spend any time out on the sidelines, it would be a blow for the Hoops. Especially to their treble hopes, because truth be told, the league title race is as good as over even with six games left to be played.
A bad day at the office and the Scottish Cup could slip through their fingers though. So, Celtic need to wake up and start showing the levels they did earlier this season.