Celtic could be boosted this weekend by the return of their Japanese forward Kyogo Furuhashi after his lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury.
The 27-year-old had returned to first-team training a number of weeks ago, however, is yet to take to the pitch for Ange Postecoglou after sustaining a hamstring issue.
Kyogo initially suffered a hamstring injury in the early stages of December last year and despite making a return against St. Johnstone, he was quickly sidelined again which has seen him out since Boxing Day (via Transfermarkt).
It has now been confirmed by Ange Postecoglou that Kyogo Furuhashi will play a part tomorrow.
So with Kyogo expected to feature in the game at Parkhead on the weekend against the Premiership strugglers, what could this mean for Postecoglou’s XI?
Should Kyogo start on Saturday?
Yes
No
Big, big boost
Firstly, the return will be welcomed by all at Celtic after Kyogo made an electric start to life in Glasgow having signed in the summer from the Japanese top flight.
In the 27-year-old’s opening 26 appearances for the Bhoys across all competitions, he was able to find the back of the net 16 times and provide five assists (via Transfermarkt).
Without a doubt, Postecoglou’s side have fared well despite the loss of such an influential player, but having him back will certainly be a big confidence boost as they narrow in one the Scottish crown.
Having opened up a six-point gap on their fierce rivals, the game against a struggling St Johnstone could offer Kyogo with a golden opportunity to return to the action with a bang.
Coincidentally, it was St Johnstone who Kyogo last featured against on Boxing Day, but in the two games against the Saints this season, Postecoglou’s men have been able to score a combined five goals (via Transfermarkt).
Jota dropped?
With Postecoglou admitting Kyogo was in contention to play last weekend, could it mean the forward makes a return straight to the starting XI?
And if so, which of the current front three would be dropped to the bench? Well on current form, we think it could potentially be the fan favourite, Jota.
On the whole, Celtic’s front line has been in impressive form since Kyogo was sidelined through injury, however, out of Daizen Maeda, Georgios Giakoumakis and Jota, it has been the Portuguese star who has seen his goals dry up recently.
Although he has provided two assists in the previous three league games, the 23-year-old has been unable to find the back of the net since the early stages of February.
And having been withdrawn early in three of the last four Premiership games, we do wonder whether Postecoglou may opt to stick with Maeda and Giakoumakis who have a combined five goals in the last three league games?
In other news: Twist: Reliable journalist now changes tune, thinks big Celtic deal will be ‘done’