Worrying Kyogo statement from Japan
Kyogo Furuhashi was never in contention for Japan’s World Cup qualifiers against China and Saudi Arabia.
The Celtic striker was substituted after 15 minutes of the 3-1 win away to St Johnstone on December 26 and has been left out of the squad for Japan’s matches on January 27 and February 1.
Clubs can often by reluctant to let players join up with international squads but FIFA regulations require players to be released even if it is just to be checked by the medical team of their country then returned to their club.
There has been no need for that level of scrutiny on Kyogo’s injury which suggests that he still faces a lengthy lay-off.
Japan technical director Yasuharu Sorimachi on Kyogo Furuhashi:
?? “We don’t know the details about his injury. But because it’s at the level where we were concerned about whether he’d be able to contribute to the team we decided not to call him up this time.”
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) January 22, 2022
Celtic will now face at least three SPFL matches without Kyogo with his back-up, Daizen Maeda called up into the international squad as a replacement.
Kyogo thrilled Celtic fans by playing and scoring in the League Cup Final win over Hibs but a month on from that match it seems like he is paying a heavy price.