Daizen Maeda makes a smart Celtic choice

By Milo Clay

March 27, 2023

Celtic star Daizen Maeda has admitted that he wanted to return to Glasgow during the international break after picking up an injury. Maeda was named in Japan’s squad for their friendlies against Uruguay and Colombia during the two-week break. 

The 25-year-old was an unused substitute during the 1-1 draw with Uruguay on Friday and he will not feature in Tuesday’s game either.

The Celtic winger has pulled himself out of Japan’s squad due to an injury and revealed that he took the decision to return to Glasgow ahead of schedule. 

Maeda says he wanted Celtic return 

Speaking to Japanese media, Maeda admitted that it was his choice to return to Celtic. 

“I would rather return to the team and prepare for the league match than remain in the national team,” he said. 

“There are things I can’t get unless I come here. I was inspired by the top Japanese players. Although I was withdrawn, I performed well and will be representing Japan again in June, I want to come back during that period,” as quoted by The Scotsman.

Maeda starred at the World Cup for Japan last year and it will undoubtedly be a blow for them to lose him ahead of their friendly against Colombia. He could have easily stayed with his national squad and watched on from the sidelines but is clearly determined to get to work.

With Liel Abada also returning to Glasgow ahead of schedule due to injury, it’s for the best that Maeda recovers in Scotland with the medical staff he works with on a daily basis.

If both players were to be ruled out of the trip to Ross County this weekend, it would leave Ange Postecoglou a little short when it comes to wide options but Jota and Sead Haksabanovic are both ready to come in, for starters.

The Bhoys will be hoping that Maeda’s injury isn’t too serious, especially with a crucial run of fixtures between now and the end of the season.