Yosuke Ideguchi will miss the initial stages of the Celtic season after suffering a training blow that required multiple stitches this week.
It was reported earlier in the week that Ideguchi was facing a spell on the sidelines, and now Ange Postecoglou has confirmed his status with an update to reporters in a press conference earlier today.
He said [Celtic YouTube]: “Yosuke picked up an unfortunate injury at training – it was a gash on his leg that required quite a few stitches. He’ll probably miss a few weeks.”
Ideguchi has had a frustrating time of it since arriving from Japan in January, picking up an initial injury away to Alloa Athletic in the Scottish Cup.
That restricted his playing time in the second half of the season and after Postecoglou earmarked him for a prominent role this time around, fans were happy to see him involved during summer friendly matches.
Now though, he is again playing catch up, with it sounding like he’ll miss the majority of August as Celtic are still warming up to the intense schedule from September and beyond. The 25-year-old can’t seem to catch a break.
The injury could mean more initial game time for Aaron Mooy after his signing.
Mooy didn’t train to any great extent between international duty in June and joining the Bhoys but has now had a full week of sessions under his belt at Lennoxtown.
An appearance off the bench against Aberdeen is likely, with Callum McGregor set to start in that central midfield role alongside Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley.
Hopefully we see Ideguchi back in training soon, with the manager needing a strong squad for the busier months ahead.
In other news, Ange Postecoglou delivers Friday update on potential of more Celtic incomings.
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