News regarding the injury status of Celtic’s Yosuke Ideguchi should come as a welcome boost for Ange Postecoglou – but might cause James McCarthy to worry.
Celtic look set to continue their charge towards the Scottish Premiership title this evening, but they will have to do so without the Japanese international.
Speaking to Celtic TV ahead of the game with Aberdeen, boss Postecoglou revealed that the 25-year-old was on the comeback trail following an injury he sustained against Alloa Athletic in January, saying: “Yosuke is training with the group. He won’t be ready for Wednesday but should be alright for the weekend which is promising.”
News of his injury could well end up having an impact on how the manager and a certain player in the Celtic squad act in the coming weeks.
A welcome boost for Postecoglou
Whilst missing players is never a good thing for a manager, the fact that Ideguchi is so close to making a comeback must be seen as a big positive for Postecoglou.
Assuming everything goes right for them against Aberdeen tonight, then the team would be in a pretty good position heading into the next few weeks of the season. Not only do they have the fifth round of the Scottish Cup to come this weekend, but the Europa Conference League is also set to start up again next week, with the return leg against Bodo/Glimt following on the week after.
And having more of his players to choose from, even someone who still might not be 100% fit but well on his way to completing his comeback, should be a welcome boost for Postecoglou at this time of the season.
James McCarthy looking nervously over his shoulder?
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However, the news of Ideguchi’s return might not be such good news for the likes of McCarthy.
McCarthy’s place in the team has been far from secure this season, making just four starts in the league, and whilst he might be in line for a runout against Aberdeen tonight, if Ideguchi is set to be back for the weekend, he might want to make sure he gives it his all against the Dons.
Given how Postecoglou was slowly bedding Ideguchi into the side following his arrival – coming off the bench in his first game and starting his second – it does hint that the Australian was planning to make him a regular part of the team, which could happen starting this weekend against Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup.
So the £2.25m-rated McCarthy might want to make sure he’s at his best against Aberdeen if he’s to make his case to keep Ideguchi out of the side a little bit longer.
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