Celtic injury news puts August transfer need into sharp focus

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The update from Brendan Rodgers earlier this week that Hyeongyu Oh is facing up to six weeks out injured with a calf problem was far from an absolute disaster, but it’s still an unwelcome blow in the early stages of the season.

More than anything, it highlights the need to bring in another quality attacker of some description ahead of the transfer window closing.

Celtic may not need an out-and-out striker, but a versatile option that can play on both wings would be enough – firmly replacing the surprise sale of Jota to Saudi Arabia with an incoming talent of real quality.

Rodgers has already signalled that Maeda will be a preferred central option this season behind Kyogo Furuhashi. With the Japanese international spending less time on the left wing, especially in Oh’s absence, then Celtic are suddenly being caught pretty short across the front three.

Right now, if there’s an injury or knock to Maeda, Kyogo or Liel Abada, Celtic are searching for less-than-ideal options. It’s either turning to untested talents or veterans past their peak.

Everyone knew Celtic needed another attacker before Oh’s news became apparent. But that certainly hurries things along for many supporters, including myself. A winger/striker – or combination of the two – is an absolute necessity at this stage and arguably should have been brought in before now.

Yes, Hyunjun Yang has arrived from Korea but Rodgers himself has suggested he will be a player we are looking to improve over the next couple of years rather than use him as a go-to talent so early.

Marco Tilio is also in the building but an injury means he is already playing catch-up in these early weeks.

With Sead Haksabanovic still struggling to make an impact, it’s easy to understand why some are getting a bit restless about Celtic gearing up for a UEFA Champions League group stage bid.

Celtic need a proven talent with a pedigree in a decent league to take up the task of recreating Jota’s superb contribution at the Bhoys over the last couple of years. It’s becoming more urgent by the day.

In other news, Gustaf Lagerbielke medical imminent as Celtic make big transfer breakthrough.