Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that if Ange Postecoglou was to play Kyogo Furuhashi against Rangers then it would be a big gamble.
Kyogo Furuhashi was in impressive form in front of goal for Celtic before he picked up a hamstring injury on boxing day, he scored 16 goals and registered five assists in 26 games in all competitions for his side, as per Transfermarkt.
Unfortunately for the Japanese striker, he picked up a hamstring and has not featured this year for his side, but could be fit enough to make a return on Sunday when Celtic travel to Ibrox to face Rangers in what could be seen as a title decider.
With Furuhashi potentially being fit for the clash on Sunday, Pete O’Rourke highlighted to GiveMeSport that it would be a big gamble playing the Japanese forward due to the longevity in which he has been sidelined.
“I think it would be a big gamble to put Furuhashi into this cauldron of an atmosphere, such a red-hot, physical game, especially after being out for almost four months with his injury,” O’Rourke said.
TIF Thoughts on Pete O’Rourke’s comments…
Of course, games don’t get much bigger than an Old Firm derby, but taking such a ‘big gamble’ when it comes to Kyogo who has been out injured for such a long time is no doubt a worry in case he suffers a potential niggle.
Especially when you look at how well he’s played this season, having scored eight goals in 14 Scottish Premiership games, loses possession on average just 5.9 times per game, and has been named in three teams of the week, as per Sofascore. Well-known Celtic pundit Chris Sutton even named the attacker as the ‘best player in the country’.
Celtic sit top of the table, three points above rivals Rangers, with a better goal difference, so a win or a draw on Sunday would be deemed a good result for Postecoglou’s side, as it will mean they would remain in the driving seat heading into the dying embers of the season.
Despite not featuring this year, Furuhashi is still Celtic’s top scorer in all competitions, so although it may be deemed as a risk to play the Japanese striker, it would certainly make their side a stronger force.