Daizen Maeda is fit and available for this weekend’s Celtic match away to Hearts despite dropping out of international duty with Japan due to injury.
Maeda was a surprise omission from the group who met up for friendlies in Asia during the international break. He had featured in the win over Kilmarnock two weeks ago.
It led to concerns he might be nursing an injury that would keep him out of action with the Scottish champions. However, manager Brendan Rodgers has cleared up the situation.
While the winger did pick up an issue during that test against Killie, he underwent treatment before returning fit and firing in Lennoxtown training.
Daizen Maeda ready to perform for Celtic
Rodgers said [Celtic FC]: “Daizen is okay. He just had a slight knock after the Kilmarnock game. With the games being friendlies, the communication between our medical team and their medical team – he didn’t have to travel.
“He had to have treatment for a few days but he’s been training now for over a week. He’s absolutely fine.”
Maeda admitted himself he struggled initially adjusting to the methods of Rodgers after working under Ange Postecoglou, but the winger is really warming up to the task as the season goes on.
His performance in the ten-man win away to Livingston drew particular praise from his manager, who suggested he put in the work of two players that day.
He is a good candidate to be in the starting eleven for this Sunday’s trip to Hearts. His work ethic and tireless running will be needed at a tricky venue.
With just a single goal to his name this season, however, it’d be great to see him become more prolific with that side of his game.
In other news, Ryan Christie’s camp indicates Celtic interest to outlet; contract up for renewal.
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