Celtic boost as Kyogo skips January International Duty

Originally posted on The Celtic Star | By Paul Gillespie | Last updated 12/7/21

Kyogo Furuhashi will NOT have to play in Japan’s international matches in the New Year, according to a new report in The Mainichi newspaper in his home country. The report states that Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu has decided upon a 22-man squad of domestic talents only for crucial matches against China and Saudi Arabia.

Initially it was thought that Celtic would have to face the possibility of a large chunk of the New Year wihout their new Japanese talisman who has been in sensational form since his switch to Scotland with the Hoops. The explosive Furuhashi was injured back in September for a fortnight after picking up a knee injury on international duty which curtailed his and Ange’s team progress.

5th December 2021; Tannadice Park, Dundee, Scotland: Scottish Premier League football, Dundee United versus Celtic: Kyogo Furuhashi of Celtic is blocked by Benjamin Siegrist of Dundee United

The side was just not the same without Kyogo in it and it was proved as Celtic struggled to play to the same standard and style without the Japanese star. However, fears that we might face another spell without the forward have been put at ease. Moriyasu is committed to using only his domestic pool to navigate the upcoming Asian World Cup qualifiers.

The Japan Head Coach said: “I’m really looking forward to managing the Japan team made up of domestic players,” said Moriyasu, whose team sit second in their World Cup qualifying group (The Mainichi). I want them to show there are still many good players waiting in the wings.Hopefully we can make people feel that Japan has more squad depth and got stronger.”

There is further good news on this front, as prospective signings Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate have been included in the squad for these qualifiers, however, if they sign on tbe dotted line for Ange Postecoglou and the Bhoys they will be released from their obligations and replaced by other domestic players.

5th December 2021; Tannadice Park, Dundee, Scotland: Scottish Premier League football, Dundee United versus Celtic: Kyogo Furuhashi of Celtic

January promises to be a good one for Celtic Football Club.

Soccer: Japan name J-League based 22-man squad for Jan. Uzbekistan friendly https://t.co/ewp92xbBLX

— The Mainichi (Japan Daily News) (@themainichi) December 7, 2021