Celtic forward Daizen Maeda came on as a 68th minute substitute for Japan as the Sumurai Blue beat Saudi Arabia in a crucial World Cup Qualifier.
Maeda, who scored against Hibernian on his debut, is now more unlikely to be involved for Celtic against Rangers tomorrow night. With Albian Ajeti and Kyogo still missing through injury, a spot on the bench at least would have been assured for Maeda. That’s if he could’ve made it in time. Of course, we won’t know until we actually see tomorrow’s team-sheet.
Japan beat Saudi Arabia in a pivotal meeting, with goals from Minamino and Ito. The table-topping Saudis just couldn’t deal with Hajime Moriyasu’s attacking options. Unfortunately for Celtic, those options included Daizen Maeda.
It’s a win that has very interesting repercussions for Japan’s World Cup hopes [ESPN]. It sets up a dramatic finale between Japan, Tom Rogic’s Australia and Saudi Arabia to ensure qualification for the Qatar tournament.
Provided they do qualify, it’d be a huge shock if none of Celtic’s Japanese contingent were to travel with Moriyasu to the UAE.
In terms of the here and now, though, it’s a difficult situation for Celtic. Provided Maeda would’ve been physically prepared to have an involvement tomorrow night, his pace and directness late on could’ve been crucial.
Ange Postecoglou has already addressed the situation, saying there was an “opportunity” for Maeda to play, provided he wasn’t involved against Saudi Arabia. However, he told BBC Radio Scotland that “If [Maeda and Rogic] play the day before it’s impossible for them to play on the night against Rangers.”
What this means for Celtic as Maeda gets Japan minutes
You can’t begrudge the guy playing for his country. Maeda should be playing for Japan, because he’s the J League’s joint-top scorer for 2021. If anything, it’s more odd that he didn’t start.
However, Ange Postecoglou’s comments on the “impossibility” of Maeda playing for both Japan and Celtic within 48 hours means this unlikely scenario is now even more remote. The timing of these World Cup Qualifiers is the furthest thing from ideal.
Maeda, even in the latter stages of the game, using his raw pace to bother tired Rangers defenders? It could’ve been quite special. He’s already proven, in just two appearances, what a handful he is for Scottish defences.
However, Celtic have proven they can win against strong odds. For most of the season, we’ve been without key players at any given time. It doesn’t help us, let’s be clear, but there’s evidence to suggest we might just make it through.
In all likelihood, we’ll be without either Kyogo or Callum McGregor regardless. Nir Bitton won’t play, Tom Rogic is almost certain to feature for Australia, David Turnbull is still injured, the list goes on.
Add Maeda to the list of potentially unavailable players after his minutes for Japan today. You never know with Ange Postecoglou, though.
Read more: Celtic loanee Adam Montgomery will be in Aberdeen squad ahead of potential debut tonight
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