Celtic fans will have enjoyed a comfortable 3-1 Boxing Day victory over relegation threatened St Johnstone, but one moment overshadowed the result for supporters.
Early on, cup final hero Kyogo Furuhashi was forced off with an injury and it didn’t look good. The already depleted side are having to try and cope without Jota up top, adding Furuhashi to the medical table will be a nightmare for Ange Postecoglou.
Will Celtic sign Jota permanently?
Yes
No
There were plenty of positives on the pitch as Liel Abada’s double topped up by a Nir Bitton strike ensured Postecoglou’s side took all three points back to Celtic Park.
What the Celtic fans said about the Furuhashi injury
“That’s Ange’s fault for being stubborn and playing players that aren’t 100% fit.” @rykoonmesto7
“Funnily enough, forcing someone to play through an injury they clearly haven’t recovered from usually means they’re going to suffer a reoccurrence of that injury.” @_RH88_
“Just wrap him in bubble wrap until next season and give him all the KFC he wants.” @Sweeney_1888
“There is paddling pools with more depth.” @T_Rreview
“Sign more hamstrings, Mr Celtic.” @92Graeme
“Was always going to happen, he needs a rest and this pitch is terrible in places.” @nikkigallagher_
Clearly they’re devastated by the news and who can blame them? Furuhashi was the hero last week against Hibernian, with his brace helping to win Postecoglou his first piece of silverware in Scotland.
When you look at Furuhashi’s record, he’ll be a huge miss. He has 16 goals in his 25 games, adapting to the Scottish game with ease and oozing class. He has also managed to lay on five goals for his teammates.
That sort of return will be almost impossible to replace, with Postecoglou needing his backup options to stand up and be counted for.
In other news, Liel Abada shocks Hoops fans