Daizen Maeda’s availability for Japan’s international friendly against Paraguay this morning remains uncertain…
The Celtic attacker has linked up with the Japan squad ahead of their fixtures against Paraguay and Brazil in the Kirin Challenge Cup, a tournament being hosted on home soil.
However, local reports suggest that the 27-year-old sat out training before today’s encounter because of discomfort in his left foot. During the Japanese media’s access to the side’s training in Osaka yesterday, he was seen talking with national coach Hajime Moriyasu rather than taking part in the session.
According to Japanese outlet Gekisaka, both Maeda and Real Sociedad forward Takefusa Kubo are expected to sit out the Paraguay game but could return for Japan’s second fixture against Brazil on Monday. Since making his international debut in 2019, Maeda has earned 25 caps and netted four goals for the Blue Samurai.
The Hoops forward has struggled to find his rhythm this season after an impressive 33-goal haul last campaign. Across 13 outings for the Scottish champions this season, he has managed only three goals in all competitions, featuring across both flanks and occasionally in a central role.
Maeda did deliver a crucial moment against Motherwell last weekend, nodding in Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s cross deep into stoppage time to secure the victory for Brendan Rodgers’ side.
His compatriot Reo Hatate – who has represented his country on 11 occasions since making his debut in 2022 – was not selected for Moriyasu’s squad, though both remain focused on earning a place in Japan’s team for next year’s World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Rodgers will be hoping that Maeda will come back injury-free as Celtic look ahead to a massive few weeks both domestically and in the Europa League.
The Scottish champions travel to face Dundee a week on Sunday at Dens Park before gearing up to play Sturm Graz in the Europa League which is followed by a mouthwatering top of the table clash versus Hearts at Tynecastle.
Conor Spence
