Rogic and Maeda coverage shows exactly what kind of fortnight Celtic supporters are in for

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As we know by now, both Tom Rogic and Daizen Maeda have both dropped out of their international squads with Japan and Australia respectively.

The Japanese FA stated that Maeda has dropped out due to “poor condition”. Not down to an injury. Rogic, meanwhile, has dropped out after suffering an ankle knock in the 4-0 win over Ross County on Saturday.

Ange Postecoglou has already stated that Rogic wasn’t “too bad” and that the injury isn’t a bad one. However, already we’re seeing headlines and coverage of him potentially missing the Glasgow derby against Rangers after the international break.

The Scottish Sun has stated that both Maeda and Rogic face a “race to be fit” for the April 3rd clash. Football Scotland have also reported that Rogic is in a “fitness race” after pulling out of the Aussie squad.

The Daily Record, meanwhile, have claimed that Rogic’s injury is “sparking fears” that he’ll miss the derby.

But all of this is just so premature at the moment. There’s absolutely nothing to suggest that both men won’t be able to play in 2 weeks. It’s not as if our fixture against our rivals is just around the corner.

Ange Postecoglou clearly wasn’t worried about either Celtic man after Ross County win

You have to use some common sense when it comes to these issues. It’s speculative leaping to suggest that neither man could be fit for the derby. As things stand, it’s clear that Ange isn’t concerned about either being fit.

Not going away with their national team doesn’t mean there’s a chance they’ll miss the derby. It’s likely just to give them the best possible chance of being 100% fit for our biggest game of the season. If they felt even a tweak then they’re right to stay put.

But it shows exactly what kind of international break we’re in for. Where every knock or challenge on a Celtic player will be reported as an “injury sweat ahead of Ibrox”. It’s a touch tiresome, and if truth be told, until Ange comes out and rules certain players out, there’s nothing to even be concerned about.

Let’s not forget that Maeda was chasing lost causes in the final 2 minutes of the win against County. Whatever’s wrong with him almost certainly isn’t serious. And considering Ange has already opened up on Rogic’s problem, there’s nothing to be overly concerned with there either.

To say they could miss the derby is stretching things. Maybe if the game was in 3 days’ time. I mean, why stop at Ibrox? Why not say they’re an injury sweat for the Scottish Cup semi-final, and whilst we’re at it, the rest of the season?

The answer being because it’s going over-the-top. Just like it is to say they could be absent at Ibrox. Even if that is the case come April 3rd, there’s nothing to support that idea just now.

In other news, Celtic hero Callum McGregor says facial injury “feels much better” after playing with mask