Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi is going to be missing for a further two weeks at least as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury suffered last month.
Kyogo missed tonight’s match against Hibernian, not even able to feature on the nine-man substitutes bench.
Rumours have circulated for days about the extent of his injury and while Ange Postecoglou couldn’t give a return date, he did clarify the situation.
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland pre-match [19:27]: “It’s fair to say he hasn’t recovered from the injury. We’re still getting advice on it. He’s not likely to feature for the next couple of weeks at least, it could be longer.
“In terms of definite timeframes, we’ll get more info and hopefully during the week we’ll know a bit more.”
Meanwhile, Postecoglou has also confirmed Leigh Griffiths’ career at the club is over.
He continued on Radio Scotland: “I think for Leigh now it’s where he can take the next part of his career. It doesn’t take anything away from what he’s achieved at this football club.
“All the players who pass through these doors are transient figures who hopefully make a mark and hopefully make a difference to this football club. He’s one who definitely has done that. His career isn’t over and hopefully the next chapter is fruitful for him.”
Missing Kyogo for a significant chunk of matches obviously isn’t ideal. However the first half has demonstrated that Celtic can play stunningly without him if need be.
Daizen Maeda has already announced himself as a goalscorer and hopefully he can fill in well for his compatriot at least until he overcomes the hamstring injuries.
We’ll just have to manage given what is at stake.
In other news, Celtic boss Postecoglou delivers verdict on Shaun Maloney appointment at Hibs.
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