Celtic boss answers surgery question about Kyogo

Kyogo looked like a player reborn in pre-season as things appeared to be finally clicking for the Japanese forward in Brendan Rodgers' system. He had scored 54 goals for Celtic over his two seasons under the management of Ange Postecoglou and it felt like we were finally seeing that version of him again. Unfortunately, the start of the season has not been kind to him.

Kyogo did not find the back of the net in the opener and then ended up suffering an injury in the second game. It appeared to be a shoulder issue, which has been a problem for him throughout his time at Parkhead.

Kyogo has never ended up undergoing surgery on it though. And for the most part, it has not kept him out of action for long. He always seems to be back after missing a game or two, when dealing with the shoulder issue.

That is not the ideal situation to be in though. But fortunately, Celtic have another option now, having signed Adam Idah from Norwich City in a potential club-record deal. On the other hand, Daizen Maeda impressed in his audition up top as well by scoring a brace.

Celtic boss answers surgery question about Kyogo

As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Rodgers told BBC Radio Scotland when asked about Kyogo's absence on the day:

"It’s clearly the shoulder that he got injured last weekend so he doesn’t feel 100 per cent whereas normally he feels ready to go again.

“This is a problem he has had or managed from back in Japan, so it’s something we didn’t need to take the risk with this weekend. He’s been fantastic throughout pre-season.

“For this one here, especially having Adam Idah back – who is not quite there in terms of fitness or where we want him to be – but he’s an option and that allows us to recover Kyogo."

When questioned whether the issue could be fixed permanently, Rodgers said:

"It can be if he has an operation. But that will be down to him. He clearly hasn’t wanted that for a number of years. He’s managed it really well but today we don’t need to take any risks we don’t have to."

At the moment, it does not feel like Kyogo needs to undergo an operation in order to take care of the issue. He has been consistently available over the previous two seasons.

Also, with Idah arriving, one would think that Kyogo would want to be available for selection as often as possible. It is very easy to slip down the pecking order at a club like Celtic. Spending extended time out after undergoing shoulder surgery might be the last thing on his mind right now.