Celtic will likely ease Kyogo Furuhashi back into action from his lengthy injury which has seen him sidelined for a number of months.
This is according to football journalist Pete O’Rourke who was speaking to This Is Futbol following Celtic’s latest Scottish Premiership victory.
Would you start Kyogo against St Johnstone?
Yes
No
Three big points were earned on the weekend against their city and title rivals, Rangers, as the 2-1 win took Ange Postecoglou’s side six points clear in the table.
However, the Japanese forward was unable to return to the squad on Sunday with Postecoglou refusing to risk the 27-year-old aggravating the issue which has kept him out since last year.
The Australian has claimed (via BBC Sportsound) he will be fit enough to make a return in their next clash against St Johnstone, however, O’Rourke feels the forward will be eased back into action:
“They got the win, he [Postecoglou] can maybe ease the Japanese international back into the starting lineup over the next couple of weeks. And there’s also a big cup semi-final against Rangers to come as well. So that might be more of an astute time to give Furuhashi some minutes then,” O’Rourke said.
TIF Thoughts on O’Rourke’s comments…
We absolutely agree with O’Rourk’s thinking behind not bringing the Japanese forward straight back into the action given the injury has seen him sidelined for so many months.
It could have been easy for Postecoglou to force Kyogo back into the side for what was a huge game against Rangers, however, he showed the required patience to save him for when he is ready.
Hopefully for the Bhoys, this patience pays off and Kyogo does not suffer any further issues and it could make for an enjoyable end to what has been a hard-fought campaign.
In other news: Twist: Reliable journalist now changes tune, thinks big Celtic deal will be ‘done’