Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has provided an update on the fitness of wide duo Nicolas Kühn and Daizen Maeda after their respective preseason injuries. German attacker Kühn was withdrawn midway through the win against Man City, where he scored twice and assisted once, while Maeda was forced off against City.
On the eve of the Premiership opener against Kilmarnock, Rodgers has provided a mixed message in the status of the pair. Speaking to Celtic TV, the Irishman confirmed Kühn would return while Maeda is expected to miss Flag Day.
“Nicolas has been back in training the last couple of days, so he’ll be okay for the weekend.
“Daizen we just need to assess. He may not make it at the weekend, it was quite a nasty knee bruise that he had against Chelsea when he came off. We’ll give that until the last moment and see how he is.”
Given how good the pair were in pre-season, it is a boost to know that they haven’t had any lasting injury from the knocks sustained in the States.
Celtic are somewhat light in attacking options, which is somewhat concerning at the start of the season. Kyogo will lead the line and you’d expect Luis Palma to start with Kuhn on the right. Mikey Johnston and James Forrest are also there as options but the manager would have been hoping to have Adam Idah in his squad but thus far, no deal has been agreed for his permanent transfer.