The big news this morning, as already reported on The Celtic Star, is that Celtic stars Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate have been left out of Japan’s final 22-man squad for the World Cup which kicks off in just a couple of weeks time. It had been thought the two would be taken due to their positive displays both domestically and in Europe. However, there seems to be no space on the plan for either the midfielder or attacker.
Daizen Maeda arriving at Livingston on Sunday.
Daizen Maeda has been called up despite suffering from patchy form since the beginning of the season, although he has been better recently. Manager Hajime Moriyasu has included six players from the J-League, along with several high profile starts, including Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu and Monaco’s Takumi Minamino.
Despite Kyogo’s 8 goals in 10 matches for the club this season and Reo’s midfield masterclasses both at home and abroad, it would appear the manager didn’t feel they were the correct choices this time around. Strange really when considering he called up Daizen who has – as mentioned previously – been toiling somewhat this year.
Reo Hatate gets off the Celtic team bus at Livingston
Nevertheless, the Japanese international side’s loss is almost definitely Celtic’s gain. If they were have gone to this World Cup in Qatar, it runs the major risk of injury; something that we really don’t need right now. Too many of our stars have been absent these days and with Callum McGregor out, The thought of losing Reo as well would be a hammer blow for us. It also prevents more exposure worldwide and stops big bids landing on out doorstep come January.
This news could just be a blessing in disguise for Celtic, although Ange Postecoglou, who knows all about the significance of appearing at a World Cup, will have to manage the disappointment today’s news will cause to Hatate and especially Kyogo and maybe they both will have a very big point to prove tomorrow night against Real Madrid.
Paul Gillespie
