With the domestic season coming to an end, some Celtic players will be preparing to represent their countries across the world.
Luis Palma has been called up by Honduras and there will be plenty of other Hoops stars in action for their nations as the 2026 World Cup qualifiers begin to ramp up.
As good as it is for players to be featuring for their national teams, most have been involved in a gruelling season and Brendan Rodgers will be praying that none burn out and suffer injury before reporting back to Lennoxtown in late June, early July.
The 2026 World Cup qualifiers are reaching the final stages and some teams have already qualified, which has reflected in team selections.
Daizen Maeda not picked by Japan for World Cup qualifiers
Daizen Maeda has been exceptional this season, scoring 34 times in all competitions.
Maeda has won several individual accolades too and could end the season with a domestic Treble.
In any normal circumstance he would be a dead cert to be included in the Japan national team squad but, with their World Cup place already secured, Hajime Moriyasu has left him out for their games against Australia and Indonesia.
Reo Hatate, who is out injured, has also been snubbed as Moriyasu appears to have favoured players competing in Japan’s domestic leagues.
Moriyasu said: “Some of the regular players who are always in the squads have been left out for these games.
“Considering that some of the main players had played a lot of games before and suffered frequent injuries throughout the season, we decided not to call them up this time.”
Daizen Maeda will be delighted to miss out on Japan squad
Footballers always want to play, but even they will admit that they need a rest.
This weekend’s Aberdeen game will be Maeda’s 56th of the season – a ridiculous amount for anyone.
An extended period without playing will allow the 27-year-old to wind down and recharge the batteries.
Maeda has played down talks of a new deal until after the summer following interest from clubs in England and the summer can be used to rest and recover before deciding what to do next.
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