No Go Kyogo as Japan manager indicates Furuhashi unavailable for International call up…

How about this for a bit of welcome news? Kyogo Furuhashi will NOT be called up for international duty for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers with China and Saudi Arabia.

Japanese national manager Hajime Moriyasu, according to James Cairney at The Herald, has ruled out calling up Kyogo along with other Japanese stars currently unavailable due to injury:

“Several players will not be able to convene due to injury,” the Japan manager said. “We have received reports that Maya Yoshida, Kaoru Mitoma, Sei Muroya, and Kyogo Furuhashi are also difficult. It is painful for the team that the players who have been convened each time cannot play.”

Kyogo last played for Celtic in the Boxing Day victory over St Johnstone where he appeared to aggravate a hamstring injury before being replaced by Joey Dawson with Celtic a goal to the good at the time. Celtic went on to win the game comfortably 3-1.

Kyogo Furuhashi of Celtic celebrates his third goal (Hat trick goal) during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Dundee FC on August 8, 2021 in Glasgow, United Kingdom. (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)

Since then of course Scottish Football had been on a winter shutdown, but with Kyogo yet to return to training and also missing a Lennoxtown bounce game with St Mirren, it was clear when the Scottish Premiership resumes on Monday night, with Celtic entertaining Hibs, that Kyogo won’t be available to play.

The Japanese squad isn’t due to be announced until 22 January, but it would appear Hajime Moriyasu has already been advised Kyogo won’t be available. And whilst the omission is a clear blow for the player, who would be keen to represent his country in such important World Cup Qualifiers, it is a lift for the Celtic support to hear Kyogo will now be given every chance to recover, hopefully in time to be available for selection for the Glasgow Derby in particular on 2 February.

Niall J